The family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson has launched a petition to permanently close the free fall ride at the ICON Park in Orlando, Florida after he fell to his death while riding it last week.
FOX35 Orlando reports that a cousin of Sampson started the pen and paper petition as the investigation into Sampson’s death continues. The drop tower ride has been closed since his death, and Sampson’s cousin, Shay Johnson, has already collected pages of signatures in support of the petition. “
I would like this ride to be taken down," Johnson said. "My cousin lost his life over this ride. I don't feel it's safe, and feel it should be shut down before someone else's family have to go through what we are going through."
The family’s attorney, Bob Hilliard, said that they’ll be hiring their own investigators in addition to the state investigation. Hilliard noted that Sampson was turned away from numerous other rides at the park prior to the fatal incident due to his large stature. “He absolutely would have accepted if they said to him, ‘respectfully, I’m sorry but you can’t ride it,’” said Hilliard. “He would be home right now getting ready for football practice. That’s their responsibility.”
In comments shared with CBS News, Hilliard said Sampson’s death “is going to be an issue of a lack of supervision and lack of training,” calling it a “Straight-up negligence case.” Well-known civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who also represented the family of George Floyd, is also working with Sampson’s relatives, KMOV reports.
Sampson fell from his seat at the ride, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and a distressing video of the moment circulated on social media shortly after. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but died to injuries sustained in the fall.
“We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and friends,” a representative for SlingShot Group of Companies, the owner and operator of the ride at ICON, told Complex. “We are working with the Sheriff’s Office and ride officials on a full investigation. The Orlando FreeFall will be closed until further notice.”
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