Father says son broke both ankles at trampoline park, warns other parents

A father said his 6-year-old son was injured at a trampoline park in Hickory, North Carolina, after jumping onto a deflated landing zone.

>> Watch the news report here

He said the boy broke his ankles on Monday afternoon at Defy Hickory.

>> On Fox13Memphis.com: Parents file $750,000 lawsuit against Tennessee trampoline park

A state amusement ride inspector said businesses like Defy Hickory are not regulated by the state of North Carolina.

Parents sign paperwork that releases the business from liability if something goes wrong.

>> On AJC.com: Trampolines are more dangerous than you think — Read the warnings, advice from experts

Mark Loden said his son jumped from a 15-foot platform to a 20-foot platform and landed on the deflated bag, breaking his ankles.

“It’s horrifying, but it makes you angry at the same time. Why was it not closed off?” Loden said. “Why was someone not over there telling kids not to be there?”

Loden said he was helping his daughter when the boy climbed the stairs and jumped.

He said there were no workers near the platform or caution tape warning people to avoid it.

“It blows my mind. It blows my mind,” the boy’s mother, Jessica Yeckley, said. “I freaked out. I tried to stay calm and keep dad calm as well."

>> Read more trending news

“Kids are getting hurt and nobody is doing nothing about it,” Loden said.

Defy Hickory workers said they are investigating the incident.

“The safety and well-being of our visitors is a top priority, and we adhere to the strictest standards prescribed by the International Association of Trampoline Parks,” they said.

Loden said he was required to sign a waiver, and he wants to warn families they are giving up their rights to sue, even if someone dies.

“Be very careful,” Loden said. “Watch your kids. If he landed on his back, he could be paralyzed right now.”

About the Author