How did Tyre Sampson fall from Orlando ride? Teen's harness was still LOCKED after fatal fall
The latest investigation into Tyre Sampson's death has revealed that the teenager's harness was still in a locked position even after the fatal accident. The 14-year-old from Missouri was visiting the ICON Park in Orlando on Thursday, March 24 when he fell from the Free Fall ride, a 430-foot drop tower, at around 11 pm.
Nikki Fried, the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, released a report on Monday, March 28 that said when the ride's magnets engaged upon descent, Sampson "came out" of the seat. The report further said, "Sampson's harness was still in a down and locked position when the ride stopped."
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The report also stated that the teenager died from "multiple injuries and trauma." Commissioner Fried said, "Words cannot express the sorrow felt by the tragic loss of such a young man, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time." She added, "The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is actively investigating the incident, along with the Orange County Sheriff's Office [...] 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."
Further details of the terrifying incident are yet to be disclosed. However, the boy's family raised a concern, suggesting that he may have been too large for this ride. Tyre's father Yarnell Sampson shared that his son weighed 340 lbs.
As per the safety instructions of the ride, the maximum passenger weight it can safely carry is around 130 kgs, i.e, 287 lbs. The manual states, "Be careful when seeing if large guests fit into the seats. Check that they fit within the contours of the seat and the bracket fits properly. If this is not so - do not let this person ride."
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said on March 25, Friday that the team would be "looking into several impactful factors but looking at the preliminary evidence, it appears to be a terrible tragedy." It was also clarified that no criminal charges have been filed. The late teenager's father was made aware of the tragedy only after he came across a video on social media. He told WESH, "It felt like somebody hit me so hard in my stomach. And it's just sad, a young man's bright future was taken away from him over a ride, an amusement park."
ICON Park issued a statement after the incident. "The landlord of the 20-acre entertainment destination in the center of the Orlando Entertainment District, ICON Park's mission is to provide safe, family entertainment. We continue to grieve the passing of Tyre Sampson and our thoughts are with his family and friends," the park wrote. "This was the saddest day in the history of ICON Park and we're working hard to make sure this never happens again."