Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy, tragically lost his life on March 24, 2023, after falling from the Orlando FreeFall drop tower ride in ICON Park, Florida. The ride, touted as the world’s largest freestanding drop tower, has been closed since the incident and is currently undergoing demolition. Tyre’s mother, Nekia Dodd, has been advocating for justice and safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
The Orlando FreeFall ride lifted passengers 400 feet in the air, and then dropped them in a free fall that reached 4Gs, with the seat tilting forward 30 degrees. However, the ride’s owner’s manual specified a weight limit of 287 pounds, which Tyre exceeded at 383 pounds and 6 feet 1 inch tall. The family alleges that there were no scales or posted weight restrictions at the ride location.
An investigation by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed that a harness sensor in Tyre’s seat had been “manually loosened, adjusted, and tightened,” resulting in a larger-than-usual gap between the harness and seat. The attendant operating the ride had only been employed for three days and was considered a “trainee.” The state investigation concluded that Tyre’s improper seat-securing was the primary cause of the accident.
Tyre’s autopsy report revealed that he died from blunt force injuries sustained during the fall. The family has filed a lawsuit against the ride’s operators, alleging negligence and failure to ensure safety protocols. Nekia Dodd has become an advocate for amusement park safety, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
The demolition of the Orlando FreeFall ride serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of lax safety protocols and weight restriction controversies. As the investigation continues, officials and experts are working to determine how such a tragedy could have occurred and how to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Nekia Dodd’s crusade for justice and safety reforms has sparked a national conversation about amusement park safety and accountability. Her son’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
In the wake of Tyre’s death, ICON Park and the Orlando FreeFall ride operators face scrutiny over their safety protocols and weight restriction policies. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of safety measures in place and the need for more stringent regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
As the community mourns the loss of Tyre Sampson, his mother’s unwavering dedication to seeking justice and change serves as a beacon of hope for a safer future for all.
