Orlando 14-Year-Old Young Boy Falls To Death Amusement Park:
ORLANDO, Fla. – A 14-year-old teenager fell to his death while riding an Orlando-area drop tower attraction, according to officials from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Follow More Update On TODAYLEAKED.COM
Several law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics responded to ICON Park in Orlando, Florida late Thursday evening after a 911 caller reported the incident at the popular tourist attraction on International Drive.
Witnesses on the scene told deputies that someone had fallen off the Orlando Free Fall ride, which opened in December 2021.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that a 14-year-old boy was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“It appears to be a terrible tragedy,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said during a news conference on Friday, but says the investigation is still open. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family,” he said.
The boy has been identified as Tyre Sampson, Sheriff Mina said. He was visiting Orlando from his home in Missouri with another family in Central Florida. The ride then went up in the air and halted for around 10 seconds before dropping.
‼️A 14-year-old boy has died after falling from the Free Fall ride at ICON Park. Happened Thursday. #ORLANDO pic.twitter.com/xdGTH2kFl7
— JJ (@Joshuajered) March 25, 2022
Orlando Free Fall:
ICON Park and SlingShot Group — which owns and operates Orlando Free Fall — did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests. For comment, John Stine, a spokesperson for SlingShot, has said their “hearts go out to the family of this young man.”
“Words can’t say how we feel,” said Stine, according to NBC News. The outlet also reported that Stine said the boy was wearing a safety harness at the time of the incident.
During Friday’s press conference. Police said they were not aware of any timetable for when Orlando Free Fall. Which closed, will resume operations.
Per the Orange County Sheriff: We learned the 14-year-old boy, killed after falling from the Orlando Free Fall ride, is named Tyree Samson.
He was visiting from Missouri with a friend's family.
The Florida Dept of Agriculture will now investigate. pic.twitter.com/QOvhwQDs6x
— Anika Hope (@AnikaHopeTV) March 25, 2022
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At 430 feet, the Orlando FreeFall ride is described by the park as the “world’s tallest free-standing drop tower.”
“Climb aboard this thrilling attraction to get a bird’s eye view of your favorite spots in Central Florida. Before tilting you 30 degrees forward and dropping you at over 75 mph. They wrote on social media back in February, shortly after the attraction opened late last year.