Family of teen who fell to death from free fall ride files wrongful death lawsuit

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By Asiya Ali

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Parents of the teenager who fell to his death at an amusement park in Florida filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Monday.

The late 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling from the Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON park on March 24.

As per TMZ, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson - parents of the youngster - have filed a wrongful death lawsuit via attorneys Michael Haggard and Ben Crump.

According to the outlet, the suit was filed against ICON park and its pertinent associates, including creators and operators of the free fall.

In the complaint, Tyre's parents say their son was on spring break and was an honor-roll student and football player.

"Despite his prowess on the football field, he was known as a kind-hearted person who cared about others," the complaint reads, per People. "Tyre had a long and prosperous life in front of him that was cut short by this tragic event."

According to documents, Tyre's parents claim that the amusement park ride was "unreasonably dangerous" and that staff should've taken Tyre's 6 feet 2 height and 380-pound weight into consideration.

They also continued that, unlike most similar free-fall rides, the attraction "only had an over-the-shoulder harness to 'secure' riders" and that was in clear violation.

The attorney for Orlando Slingshot said in a statement to People: "Orlando Slingshot continues to fully cooperate with the State during its investigation, and we will continue to do so until it has officially concluded."

"We reiterate that all protocols, procedures, and safety measures provided by the manufacturer of the ride were followed," the statement continued.

"We look forward to working with the Florida legislature to implement change in the industry and we are also supportive of the concepts outlined by State Representative Geraldine Thompson to make changes to state law through the 'Tyre Sampson Bill' to prevent a tragic accident like this from ever happening again."

The father of the Missouri teenager said to NBC that the purpose of filing the wrongful death suit was to make a change.

“My son was Tyre Sampson, just 14 years old. He’s been taken away from me too soon," Yarnell said. "When you kiss your child and tell them you love them, you know, the raw emotions of that. I don’t have that choice. Or the chance no more to say that."

A Gofundme has been set up by Tyre's mom.

Our thoughts go out to Tyre's family and friends at this time.

Featured image credit: Taetae / Alamy Photo

Family of teen who fell to death from free fall ride files wrongful death lawsuit

vt-author-image

By Asiya Ali

Article saved!Article saved!

Parents of the teenager who fell to his death at an amusement park in Florida filed a wrongful death lawsuit on Monday.

The late 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling from the Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON park on March 24.

As per TMZ, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson - parents of the youngster - have filed a wrongful death lawsuit via attorneys Michael Haggard and Ben Crump.

According to the outlet, the suit was filed against ICON park and its pertinent associates, including creators and operators of the free fall.

In the complaint, Tyre's parents say their son was on spring break and was an honor-roll student and football player.

"Despite his prowess on the football field, he was known as a kind-hearted person who cared about others," the complaint reads, per People. "Tyre had a long and prosperous life in front of him that was cut short by this tragic event."

According to documents, Tyre's parents claim that the amusement park ride was "unreasonably dangerous" and that staff should've taken Tyre's 6 feet 2 height and 380-pound weight into consideration.

They also continued that, unlike most similar free-fall rides, the attraction "only had an over-the-shoulder harness to 'secure' riders" and that was in clear violation.

The attorney for Orlando Slingshot said in a statement to People: "Orlando Slingshot continues to fully cooperate with the State during its investigation, and we will continue to do so until it has officially concluded."

"We reiterate that all protocols, procedures, and safety measures provided by the manufacturer of the ride were followed," the statement continued.

"We look forward to working with the Florida legislature to implement change in the industry and we are also supportive of the concepts outlined by State Representative Geraldine Thompson to make changes to state law through the 'Tyre Sampson Bill' to prevent a tragic accident like this from ever happening again."

The father of the Missouri teenager said to NBC that the purpose of filing the wrongful death suit was to make a change.

“My son was Tyre Sampson, just 14 years old. He’s been taken away from me too soon," Yarnell said. "When you kiss your child and tell them you love them, you know, the raw emotions of that. I don’t have that choice. Or the chance no more to say that."

A Gofundme has been set up by Tyre's mom.

Our thoughts go out to Tyre's family and friends at this time.

Featured image credit: Taetae / Alamy Photo