The Orlando Freefall will be demolished, officials said Thursday. Tire Sampson, 14, died in March after falling from freefall halfway through the 400ft drop. The Orlando Free Fall ride has been closed since March, when Sampson died after slipping from his seat. In April, investigators found that the safety sensors in Sampson’s seat had been modified to open wider than the other seats. The investigation to find out who is responsible is ongoing. Sampson’s death sparked a public outcry for the ride to be taken down. On Thursday, the ride’s operator, the Orlando SlingShot, released a written statement: “We are devastated by Tyr’s death. to the wishes of Tire’s family and community and made the decision to eliminate free fall. Additionally, Orlando SlingShot will honor Tire and his legacy in the classroom and on the football field by creating a scholarship in his name.” ICON Park released a statement supporting the decision. “Tyre’s death is a tragedy that we will never forget. As the owner, we welcome and appreciate the decision to stop the ride,” the statement read. The attorney for Nekia Dodd, Sampson’s mother, said Dodd was too emotional today to speak with WESH 2. News, but he said she’s relieved to know the ride will soon be demolished. Her son’s legacy will be this,” Dodd’s attorney Michael Haggard said. Tourists familiar with the tragedy also said that dismantling the merry-go-round was the right thing to do. to get on with it after a tragedy like that? I think it would just be an insult to the family, so I think it’s a good idea for them to involved and state regulatory agencies still investigating the March incident.The state is still investigating Sampson’s death.In a statement, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said stated in part: “Although the investigation is ongoing, I hope this news will bring a measure of comfort for Sampson’s family. “Ken Martin is a consultant and an analyst in amusement ride safety.” What surprises me is that no one – no one is criminally charged with anything in this case. And it was no accident. “, he said. Martin criticized the state’s handling of Free Fall’s inspection when it opened. “Part of it comes down to the fact that no two states regulate amusement ride safety the same. And so it should be. Florida shouldn’t be exempt from fixing the amusement park. I mean, my God, we’re talking about kids here,” he said. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by Sampson’s parents against several companies, including Orlando SlingShot, is expected to go to trial next year. Tyre’s father, Yarnell Sampson, and attorney Ben Crump continually demanded that the ride be dismantled. “How would you feel? You send your kid on vacation, he’s going to have fun. The next thing you know, he’s not coming home,” Yarnell Sampson said. “This is a reminder. He needs to come down. He needs a permanent memorial.”Rep. Geraldine Thompson has announced plans to draft legislation on Sampson’s behalf. “It was unusual that signs regarding height and weight requirements were not posted so Tire could make their own decision,” Thompson said. “His life was taken over spring break because of the things that happened here that were out of the ordinary, but we’re going to fix that with the Tire Sampson Act that’s going to be introduced on the very first day of the legislative session. , and I will be the author of the Tire Sampson bill. “Orlando SlingShot did not give a timeline as to when the ride will be removed, but said it is awaiting approval from everyone involved.
The Orlando Freefall will be demolished, officials said Thursday.
Tire Sampson, 14, died in March after falling from freefall halfway through the 400ft drop.
The Orlando Free Fall ride has been closed since March, when Sampson died after slipping from his seat.
In April, investigators found that the safety sensors in Sampson’s seat had been modified to open wider than the other seats. The investigation to find out who is responsible is ongoing.
Sampson’s death sparked a public outcry for the ride to be taken down.
On Thursday, the ride’s operator, the Orlando SlingShot, released a written statement:
“We are devastated by Tyre’s death. We have listened to the wishes of Tyre’s family and community and have made the decision to remove Freefall. Additionally, Orlando SlingShot will honor Tire and his legacy in the classroom and on the football domain by creating a scholarship in his name.
ICON Park released a statement supporting the decision.
“Tyr’s death is a tragedy we will never forget. As owners, we salute and appreciate the decision to stop the ride,” the statement read.
The attorney for Nekia Dodd, Sampson’s mother, said Dodd was too emotional today to speak to WESH 2 News, but said she was relieved to know the ride would soon be demolished.
“With the immense grief she endures every day, this is a measure of closure knowing this will never happen again with another child and her son’s legacy will be that,” the lawyer said. Dodd, Michael Haggard.
Tourists familiar with the tragedy also said dismantling the ride was the right thing to do.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Amy Buckley said. “Who would want to get into it after a tragedy like that? I think it would just be an insult to the family, so I think it’s a good idea that they take it out.”
Orlando SlingShot did not provide a timeline for the dismantling of the ride, saying it was pending approval from all parties involved and state regulatory agencies still investigating the March incident.
The state is still investigating Sampson’s death. In a statement, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in part, “While the investigation is ongoing, I hope this news brings some comfort to Sampson’s family.”
Ken Martin is an amusement ride safety consultant and analyst.
“What surprises me is that nobody – nobody is criminally charged with anything in this case. And it was not an accident. People were responsible for it,” he said.
Martin criticized the state’s handling of Free Fall’s inspection when it opened.
“Part of it comes down to the fact that no state regulates ride safety the same way. And it should be that way. Florida shouldn’t be exempt from fixing the amusement park. I mean, my God, we’re talking about children here,” he said.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by Sampson’s parents against several companies, including Orlando SlingShot, is expected to go to trial next year.
Tyre’s father, Yarnell Sampson, and attorney Ben Crump continually demanded that the ride be dismantled.
“How would you feel? You send your kid on vacation, he’s going to have fun. The next thing you know, he’s not coming home,” Yarnell Sampson said. “This is a reminder. He must come down. He needs a permanent memorial.”
Representative Geraldine Thompson announced plans to draft legislation on Sampson’s behalf.
“It was unusual that signs regarding height and weight requirements were not posted so Tire could make their own decision,” Thompson said. “His life was taken over spring break because of the things that happened here that were out of the ordinary, but we’re going to fix that with the Tire Sampson Act that’s going to be introduced on the very first day of the legislative session. , and I will be the author of the Tire Sampson bill.”
Orlando SlingShot did not give a timeline as to when the ride will be retired, but said it is awaiting approval from everyone involved.