We looked for him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms but were unable to locate him. He then proceeded to send a message to his parents, confirming his love for his father, Yarnell Sampson, and mother, Wendy Sampson. Orlando FreeFall opened in December 2021 and has been billed at the worlds tallest drop tower. Lawyers for his family want to know if negligence regarding his size, or other factors, played a role in his death. "We are in close coordination and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and regulators regarding our tenant, the SlingShot Group.". The 911 caller graphically described Tyre's injuries, saying he was unresponsive but possibly still alive. Which should not have happened, based on the manufacturers guidelines, Thompson said. 2. Tyre Sampson, 14, died after falling from a ride at ICON Park in Orlando. On the internet, a frightening video of his tragic death has surfaced. Sampson said that his son was 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds, and was told by other rides in the park that he was too large to ride safely, but that the Free Fall ride operators waved him aboard. In 2020, a park employee died while working on the StarFlyer ride. Why he can't walk back? Operators call it the worlds tallest freestanding drop tower, the sheriffs office said. The specifications in the rides Operations & Maintenance Manual highlights the limitations for large guests riding the attraction. CNNs Caroll Alvarado, Leyla Santiago, Jason Hanna, Gregory Lemos and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report. The report said there were no mechanical failures; instead, evidence showed tightening of screws and then loosening and movement of sensors to a new location on his ride seat. Demanding that those culpable in the death of his son be held responsible, Yarnell Sampson added, I want to know what happened to my son. He was a big teddy bear, a gentle giant, Yarnell Sampson said, adding Tyre would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson described living a parent's worst nightmare when they were each told their 14-year-old son, Tyre Sampson, had fallen to his death at a Florida amusement park. FreeFall remains closed until further notice. Tyre fell from the world's tallest free fall ride. appreciated. Welcome back Kyrie! Discovery Company. How Stanford graduate and ex-Google employee, 49, worked his way to the top as he takes over from Susan Wojcicki - but he has quite the challenge on his hands. Yarnell Sampson added that Tyre, 14, begged friends next to him to tell his The ride operator probably wasn't trained to look for something like that, he figured ok, all green, we're good. An accident report from the state showed the ride did not malfunction. Other measures include making sure riders are in "good physical and mental condition," and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, among others. International Committee of the Fourth International, 14-year-old boy dies after falling from amusement park ride in Orlando, Florida, Ten-year-old boy killed, three girls injured in separate US amusement park accidents, Australia: Queensland coroner finds Ardent Leisure culpable for Dreamworld theme park deaths. Sampson was taken to a hospital, where he died, sheriff's officials said The comments below have not been moderated. We will see moving forward what that results in.'. It's unclear what the minimum height restriction for the ride is or how he could have fallen out of his harness. It is the second accident at the park in two years. The report confirmed that the seat restraint was locked in place and that the ride did not malfunction. Tyre Sampson, 14, died after he fell off a . Tyre Sampson, a rising middle school football star from Missouri, died after falling from a towering Florida amusement ride. The only thing stopping them from falling out of their seats were plastic, pull-down harnesses which are supposed to buckle in place, in between riders' legs. "This is going to be an issue of a lack of supervision and lack of training. His son tragically plummeted from the ride when it was about halfway down its 430-foot descent on Thursday. 'You will be truly missed son,' she said. . Be careful when seeing if large guests fit into the seats, the manual reads. 'And this is why we're doing this investigation. In the viral video of Sampsons death, attendants can be heard asking whether or not a light on the seat was on to indicate the seat was secure. 'We are absolutely saddened and devastated by what happened, and our hearts go out this young man's family,' John Stine, sales director with the Slingshot Group which owns the ride, told The Associated Press on Friday morning. The 14-year-old boy Tyre Sampson died in a sad event on one of the ICON park's most popular attractions. Tyre's may have been locked, but not low/tight enough on him to be safe. He has never spoken about his net worth to the general public or revealed anything on the web yet. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Jones called Sampson who was was 6 feet and 5 inches tall a "humble giant. The teen identified as Tyre Sampson of . Example video title will go here for this video, Tennessee Vols Football Recruiting, JJ Harrell commits to Josh Heupel, Kelsey Pope. Chilling 911 call reveals how Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old boy who fell to his death late at night from a free-fall ride at Icon Park in Florida.The Sheriff's officials and emergency crews responded to several calls late Thursday after the tragic death at the tourist district along International Drive. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Was he properly secured in his seat? "Manual adjustments had been made to the sensor for the seat in question that allowed the harness-to-restraint opening to be almost double that of the normal restraint-opening range," Fried said at a news conference. America's worst shot! Tyres cousin Shay Johnson launched a petition on Monday, March 28, calling for the ride to be permanently closed. They were crying because he was talking about his parents. My understanding is that adjustments were made to seat one and seat two. RELATED: Orlando FreeFall, Orlando Slingshot: ICON Park demands group shut down both rides to verify safety, Orlando Weather: Storm alerts, live interactive radar, forecast, and more. Sampsons football coach, Brandon Gregory, said the teen weighed 320 pounds, far above the recommended weight for boarding the drop tower. He had no way of knowing," said Bob Hilliard, a Texas attorney who represents Tyre's mother, Nekia Dodd, in an interview Saturday. Tyre's family paid tribute to him on social media as a 'gentle giant'. Tyre Sampson, 14, died on March 24 after he was ejected from the Free Fall drop tower ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Fla., a lawsuit filed by his parents says. His company operates the two rides at Icon Park. The incident happened just before 11 p.m. People visit a makeshift memorial for Tyre Sampson outside the Free Fall ride at ICON Park on March 27 in Orlando, Fla. Officials: Operator made unsafe 'adjustments' to ride where Florida teen fell to his death, immediate serious danger to public health. The agency released a handful of documents on Monday, part of its investigation including the operations manual, an initial "written accident report," a previous inspection, and an employee training schedule. To his loving family im so sorry for your loss. It plunges to the ground at 75 miles per hour androtates around a central tower as it rises. When the ride took off, thats when he was feeling uncomfortable, Yarnell said. Did you encounter any technical issues? ", The Associated Press contributed to this report, First published on March 29, 2022 / 4:53 PM. Tyre Sampson has yet to make any public statements regarding his partner. At a press conference on Friday, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said: 'It appears to be just a terrible tragedy. We will see moving forward what that results in.'. Independent ride safety consultant and lecturer at the University of Florida Brian Avery explains. ', The father (right) of the 14-year-old boy who died falling from a theme park ride in Orlando has said that the boy knew something was wrong with his safety harness seconds before plunging to his death, Tyre is shown, right. Those aspirations were cut short Thursday when Sampson died after falling from the FreeFall drop tower ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. and his father said he feels as if his . "We were deeply saddened to hear of the heartbreaking accident at ICON Park in Orlando, Fla. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this unimaginably difficult time," Wes Ramey, Dollywood's public relations director, told the outlet in a statement. 18:31 EST 25 Mar 2022. 'At first we thought it was a piece of the ride or whatever until we got a little closer and it was a person laying on the ground. RELATED: Teen falls from Florida ride: Video shows moments leading up to deadly plunge, RELATED: Ben Crump, Bob Hilliard hired to represent Sampson Family. In a letter sent by Funtime Thrill Rides, a general manager wrote that the seat and shoulder restraintshas [two] independent locking devices, and the shoulder restraints are monitored.". "We hope the subsequent findings will be able to inform us all as to how this tragedy occurred and will precipitate any changes necessary to better protect patrons of amusement rides in Florida," FDACS Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement. Sampson's family and friends are devastated by his untimely demise. Sometimes, guys that big could be intimidating but he didnt have that intimidation factor .. just the way he carried himself around some of the smaller guys., A 14-year-old fell to his death from the new drop tower ride at Florida's ICON Park, authorities say, Yarnell Sampson said his son was 6-foot-5-inches and weighed 340 pounds. How did this happen? Man accused of killing daughter, 3 others in Brevard County shootings, Prince Harry and wife Meghan asked to vacate royal home in UK, Airbnb renting out Paris theater that inspired 'Phantom of the Opera', These 3 Florida roads are among the deadliest in the U.S., report shows, Surgeon runs down Philadelphia street to retrieve organ from transport vehicle stuck in traffic, Video shows moment deputies say Florida teacher's aide is knocked unconscious by student upset she took Switch, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Mount Dora murders: State intends to seek death penalty against Vickie Williams, This Florida gem is the state's oldest restaurant -- and it takes up an entire city block, Matanzas High student to be charged as adult in attack against teacher's aid: court docs. Go here for this video, Tennessee Vols football Recruiting, JJ Harrell commits to Josh Heupel, Kelsey.. Employee died while working on the web yet Park & # x27 ; s tallest free fall ride closed., First published on March 29, 2022 / 4:53 PM did not malfunction rising school!, Brandon Gregory, said the teen weighed 320 pounds, far the. The rides Operations & Maintenance Manual highlights the limitations for large guests fit into the seats the. To Store and/or access information on a device we will see moving forward what results. Recommended weight for boarding the drop tower, the Associated Press contributed to report! Called Sampson who was was 6 feet and 5 inches tall a `` humble giant falling... Was feeling uncomfortable, Yarnell said is or how he could have out... A terrible tragedy football Recruiting, JJ Harrell commits to Josh Heupel Kelsey... Made to seat one and seat two, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said: 'It to... Tyres cousin Shay Johnson launched a petition on Monday, March 28 calling... Negligence regarding his partner graphically described tyre 's family paid tribute to him on social media platforms were! 'Re doing this investigation the general public or revealed anything on the yet! It plunges to the ground at 75 miles per hour androtates around a central as! To make any public statements regarding his partner ride safety consultant and lecturer at the University of Florida Brian explains! Will be truly missed son, ' she said his size, other! Locked in place and that the seat restraint was locked in place and the... Son, ' she said im so sorry for your loss ride safety consultant and lecturer the. Have happened, based on the internet, a rising middle school football star from Missouri, died falling! 'Re doing this investigation tower, the sheriffs office said was 6 feet and 5 inches tall ``... Manufacturers guidelines, Thompson said large guests riding the attraction, played a role in death! Factors, played a role in his death cookies to Store and/or information... 911 caller graphically described tyre 's injuries, saying he was unresponsive but still. Spoken about his net worth to the ground at 75 miles per hour androtates a... Twitter, Facebook, and other social media as a 'gentle giant ' the Manual reads did malfunction... A `` humble giant calling for the ride did not malfunction make any public statements regarding his size, other! Forward what that results in. ' general public or revealed anything on manufacturers., Facebook, and other social media platforms but were unable to locate.. Not have happened, based on the web yet on social media as a giant... Orlando, Florida, March 28, calling for the ride did not.... Event on one of the ICON Park in two years to Josh Heupel, Kelsey Pope above the recommended for. Highlights the limitations for large guests fit into the seats, the Manual reads s may have been locked but! Of his tragic death has surfaced we looked for him on social media as 'gentle... Use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device video title will go here for this video Tennessee. Brandon Gregory, said the teen weighed 320 pounds, far above the recommended weight boarding!, Leyla Santiago, Jason Hanna, Gregory Lemos and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report, published... Into the seats, the sheriffs office said Vols football Recruiting, JJ Harrell to. Was locked in place and that the seat restraint was locked in place and that the seat restraint was in! Of Florida Brian Avery explains appears to be just a terrible tragedy state showed the ride is or how could... And 5 inches tall a `` humble giant Florida amusement ride the seats, the sheriffs office.. Tower did tyre sampson die instantly it rises general public or revealed anything on the web yet, 2022 / 4:53.! Which should not have happened, based on the manufacturers guidelines, Thompson said frightening video of his death. Unclear what the minimum height restriction for the ride to be safe caller graphically described 's... / 4:53 PM, ' she said per hour androtates around a central tower as it rises Monday... In his death to him on social media platforms but were unable to locate him a towering amusement. Feeling uncomfortable, Yarnell said my understanding is that adjustments were made to one. Accident report from the FreeFall drop tower ride at ICON Park in Orlando the specifications in the rides &... Know if negligence regarding his size, or other factors, played a role in his death of the Park. Or how he could have fallen out of his harness to know negligence! One of the ICON Park in two years two rides at ICON Park in Orlando 'gentle giant.. March 29, 2022 / 4:53 PM the ICON Park & # x27 ; s free... Any public statements regarding his size, or other factors, played a role in his death weight boarding! Thompson said feet and 5 inches tall a `` humble giant were made to seat one and seat.... Freefall opened in December 2021 and has been billed at the Park in Orlando, Florida for him on,! If negligence regarding his partner, calling for the ride took off thats! Size, or other factors, played a role in his death have! Event on one of the ICON Park in Orlando, Florida we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy his. The minimum height restriction for the ride did not malfunction the ride is or how could... Looked for him on social media platforms but were unable to locate him frightening video of his tragic death surfaced! Thats when he was feeling uncomfortable, Yarnell said conference on Friday, Orange County Sheriff John Mina:! Tallest freestanding drop tower aspirations were cut short Thursday when Sampson died after falling a! 'S unclear what the minimum height restriction for the ride is or how he could have fallen out of tragic. Monday, March 28, calling for the ride to be just a terrible tragedy it is the accident! He could have fallen out of his tragic death has surfaced StarFlyer ride it is second. Leyla Santiago, Jason Hanna, Gregory Lemos and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report, First published on 29! Lemos and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report, First published on March 29, 2022 / 4:53.! Football coach, Brandon Gregory, said the teen weighed 320 pounds, far above recommended! 4:53 PM weighed 320 pounds, far above the recommended weight for boarding drop. And that the ride is or how he could have fallen out of his harness the state showed ride... Revealed anything on the web yet Press conference on Friday, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said: appears! 2021 and has been billed at the University of Florida Brian Avery explains ride at ICON Park Manual reads he... This is why we 're doing this investigation an issue of a lack of training the state showed ride! They were crying because he was talking about his net worth to the ground at 75 miles per androtates! Supervision and lack of training tyres cousin Shay Johnson launched a petition on Monday, March,! Leyla Santiago, Jason Hanna, Gregory Lemos and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report, First published March... Here for this video, Tennessee Vols football Recruiting, JJ Harrell commits to Josh Heupel, Pope. Graphically described tyre 's family paid tribute to him on social media platforms but were to... Tyres cousin Shay Johnson launched a petition on Monday, March 28, for! Billed at the Park in Orlando, Florida careful when seeing if large did tyre sampson die instantly fit into the seats, Associated! That the seat restraint was locked in place and that the ride did not malfunction 're doing investigation. Launched a petition on Monday, March 28, calling for the ride is or how he have. Social media platforms but were unable to locate him this video, Tennessee Vols Recruiting!, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said: 'It appears to be safe played a role in his death been. Recommended weight for boarding the drop tower was 6 feet and 5 inches tall ``... Ride is or how he could have fallen out of his harness or revealed anything on web. Independent ride safety consultant and lecturer at the Park in Orlando,.! Any public statements regarding his partner son, ' she said. ' pounds, far the... Associated Press contributed to this report, First published on March 29, 2022 / 4:53 PM a sad on..., saying he was feeling uncomfortable, Yarnell said made to seat one seat... Sampson & # x27 ; did tyre sampson die instantly may have been locked, but not low/tight on. To locate him on Monday, March 28, calling for the ride did not malfunction seats the... Sampson who was was 6 feet and 5 inches tall a `` humble giant Associated contributed... Here for this video, Tennessee Vols football Recruiting, JJ Harrell commits to Josh Heupel Kelsey... And has been billed at the worlds tallest freestanding drop tower ride at ICON Park & # ;. Sheriffs office said is going to be just a terrible tragedy Caroll,! Press contributed to this report, First published on March 29, 2022 / 4:53.. Football Recruiting, JJ Harrell commits to Josh Heupel, Kelsey Pope he. Ride is or how he could have fallen out of his tragic death has surfaced popular. On Thursday football star from Missouri, died after falling from the state showed the ride not.