Official Reveals What Caused Deadly Ohio State Fair Ride Malfunction That Killed Teen

Excessive corrosion of the Fire Ball ride has been cited as the cause of the accident that killed one teen and injured seven others at the Ohio State Fair last month.

In a statement released on Sunday, Albert Kroon, product manager for the ride's manufacturer KMG International, said that the corrosion of a support beam was the cause of the accident, finding that "excessive corrosion on the interior of the gondola support beam dangerously reduced the beam's wall thickness over the years," ABC News reports. The ride had passed multiple inspections in the days leading up to the accident.

The company also stated that it had conducted an investigation into the accident that included a visit to the scene, review of video footage of the incident as well as a metallurgical inspection of the attraction.

On July 26, 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell was killed after the Fire Ball ride spun out of control and fell apart mid-air. Franklin County Coroner Anahi Ortiz said that Jarrell died of blunt force trauma injuries to the head, trunk and lower extremities. Seven other people were also injured in the ride's failure.

Similar rides were shut down across the country following the deadly accident.

Photo: Twitter / @tamedwards6abc