The family of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who tragically fell to d*ath from the Orlando Freefall ride in 2022, has been awarded $310 million in a wrongful death lawsuit.
He was a teenager from Missouri whose dynamic personality and relentless drive left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone he touched.
Highlights
- Tyre Sampson from Missouri was a talented and ambitious football player who had a tragic d*ath.
- He fell from the Orlando ICON park ride, and an investigation revealed a manual fault in the case.
- Sampson’s family was compensated $310 million after their relentless fight for their son’s justice.
Fondly called “Big Tick,” Sampson fell in love with football at the age of eight and dreamed of becoming a professional player one day.
He was a leader and motivator on the field, always encouraging his teammates to give their best. Off the field, he was called by friends and family a “gentle giant” and a “teddy bear.”
Moreover, Sampson was always kind and respectful and flashed a heartwarming smile. His influence went further than his abilities in sports; he was a role model to his peers and a source of pride to his family.
Tyre Sampson Autopsy Brings Up Safety Failures In Amusement Park Tragedy
An autopsy report for a young boy, Tyre Sampson, who fell to his d*ath from the Orlando Freefall ride at ICON Park in March 2022, revealed critical safe oversights.
Moreover, Sampson was 6 feet tall and weighed 383 pounds, over the ride’s limit of 287 pounds.
#BREAKING: People trapped on 400-foot ferris wheel at Icon Park in Orlando after it lost power tonight. This is the same theme park where 14-year-old Tyre Sampson fell to his death from the FreeFall Drop Tower Ride last March. https://t.co/7wu08r9Fx8 pic.twitter.com/pLvjvWXZJS
— Billy Corben (@BillyCorben) January 1, 2023
The reports confirmed his cause of d*ath as blunt force trauma, which caused severe fractures, lacerations, and hemorrhaging.
A separate investigation found that manual adjustments to the ride’s harness system created a larger gap, compromising safety for heavier passengers.
As he mentioned, even though the ride operator followed protocols, experts have linked these adjustments to the tragic accident.
ICON Park subsequently closed the ride indefinitely while discussions took place concerning improving safety regulations at the amusement park.
Many people were infuriated over the situation saying,
Icon Park is not a theme park it’s just some rides sitting on the side of a road. It’s a tourist trap and now we can officially say it’s a d*ath trap as well. You’re better off going to an actual theme park that has security and regulations they follow.
Tyre Sampson’s Family Awarded $310 Million In Landmark Compensation For Tragic Ride Death
A bright talented teenager, Tyre Sampson’s life tragically came to an end in a terrible accident.
Moreover, his parents, Nekia Dodd, and Yarnell Sampson, work relentlessly to seek justice for their son and ensure such a tragedy does not occur to anyone else.
A moment that moved many to tears. The family and friends of Tyre Sampson released balloons in his memory right in front of the Orlando Free Fall. pic.twitter.com/RozyKojE9z
— Treasure Roberts (@News6Treasure) March 29, 2022
They filed a lawsuit against the park, owners of the ride, and its Austrian manufacturer over failure to keep the ride safe.
Furthermore, the ride’s harness was incorrectly adjusted, leaving him poorly secured.
Sampson’s parents are heartbroken but determined to change, and They hope this case will lead to stricter safety rules for rides at amusement parks so no other family has to endure this kind of pain.
His mom said,
This was avoidable. I just want answers and accountability. It should have been prevented so as an operator, you have a job to check those riots. You Know, the view i saw, that was not done.
The boy’s father shared,
So I just want America to know that as a father and son, mother, we both dealing with this day-by-day, second-by-second, minute-by-minute, to be honest with you. The best thing to do is to get the ball moving towards the right direction. We can make change together.
After taking matters to court, they received a $310 million verdict.
Additional Information
- Tyre Sampson’s mom works as a mail carrier at US Postal Service and was a former lab technician at the American Red Cross.
- He grew up with his elder brother and little sister in Missouri.
- American singer and rapper, YK Osiris sent $15,000 for Sampson’s funeral.
