ICON Park, Orlando area: 14-year-old falls to death from recently opened drop to
In video circulating on social media that purportedly shows the incident, a person falls from their seat about five seconds into the ride’s drop down the tower, as the vehicle decelerates before it reaches the ground.
Sheriff’s investigators will determine whether the incident was an accident or intentional, and from an initial investigation, “it appears to be a terrible tragedy,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said.
‘I want to know what really happened’
Sampson was an honor roll student and an aspiring football player, his father Yarnell Sampson told CNN. Tyre was visiting Orlando with his football team over spring break, his father said.
His son “was a very good young man. He was a big teddy bear, a gentle giant,” the elder Sampson said, adding Tyre was a “kindhearted kid” who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it.
While holding back tears, Sampson told CNN he viewed the video of his son’s death on Facebook.
“I saw the video of my son falling down, and I couldn’t believe (it). My life stopped,” Sampson said.
He added, “I want to know what really happened. You know what, you know, why a 14-year-old young man with a bright future has been taken away from us.”
Passengers strapped into seats for nearly 400-foot drop
The ride passed a safety inspection in December before it was allowed to open, according to a safety inspection report obtained by CNN.
The document from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS) noted the Drop Tower passed inspection on December 20, 2021. No deficiencies were listed in the report.
The ride was scheduled to be inspected again by FDACS in June, midway through the permit year, according to the department.
FDACS also stated the owner/operator is responsible for inspecting the amusement ride prior to opening each day of operation.
“Yes (he was secured in the seat). That’s what we know at this time. So again, we operate the ride with all the safety precautions in mind and everything is in place and this is why we’re doing an investigation,” John Stine, sales and marketing director for the Slingshot Group, which operates the ride and two others at the park, told Spectrum News 13.
In an interview with CNN, John Stine, Slingshot Group’s sales and marketing director, said the company is heartbroken over Sampson’s death.
“We are devastated by what happened to this young guest of ours,” Stine told CNN Friday.
The ride has been closed until further notice while the incident is investigated, and the company…
Read More: ICON Park, Orlando area: 14-year-old falls to death from recently opened drop to