A tragic accident involving a teenager has generated renewed attention as a new lawsuit is filed against several companies associated with the Orlando FreeFall drop ride. The 2022 incident, which led to the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, has prompted legal action not only from his family but also from a former employee who claims to have been aware of safety issues before the tragedy occurred.
On March 14, 2022, Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old from St. Louis, visited Icon Park in Orlando, Florida, to enjoy the thrill of the Orlando FreeFall ride. Coming in at just over six feet tall and weighing over 350 pounds, Tyre struggled to fit into many of the park’s attractions, including the Orlando FreeFall.
Related: Lifetime Ban and $250K Fine Sought For FreeFall Death of Tyre Sampson
The ride, which is one of the tallest drop towers in the world, takes riders 430 feet into the air before releasing them into a freefall that reaches speeds of 75 miles per hour.
As Tyre tried to board the ride, the operator made adjustments to the restraints to secure him in place. However, those adjustments would later prove to be a critical error. Witnesses reported that during the ride’s descent, Tyre fell from his seat, plummeting nearly 100 feet to the ground below.
Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma.
The circumstances surrounding Tyre’s death raised immediate concerns about the safety of the ride and the procedures followed by the ride operators. Investigations revealed several lapses in safety protocols, including the manual adjustments made to Tyre’s harness, which disrupted the safety sensors and allowed him to fall from the ride.
Lawsuits Filed Following Tragic Death
In the wake of this tragedy, Tyre’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Funtime Thrill Rides, the manufacturer of the Orlando FreeFall, Slingshot Group, the owner and operator of the ride, and Icon Park, the entity that leased the space for the attraction.
The lawsuit alleged that the ride’s safety systems were faulty and that the park failed to properly train its staff, leading to Tyre’s fatal accident.
Related: ‘Tyre Sampson Bill’ Introduced on Deceased Teen’s Birthday, Aimed at Improving Theme Park Safety
“Such an override was knowingly dangerous to the public as the Freefall ride’s manufacturer set weight and height limits for riders,” the lawsuit, which was filed in 2022, asserts.
In December 2024, an Orange County jury awarded Tyre’s parents a substantial $310 million settlement — $155 million each to Tyre’s mother and father. This decision underscored the serious legal consequences that companies face when safety protocols are ignored or violated, especially in cases involving such catastrophic loss of life.
Another Lawsuit Emerges From Inside Icon Park
While Tyre’s parents have already secured a significant legal victory, another lawsuit has emerged, this time from a former maintenance worker at the Orlando FreeFall ride. On March 26, Austin Campbell-Alexander filed a lawsuit for $50,000, claiming that he had warned his supervisors about the safety violations prior to the tragic incident.
According to Campbell-Alexander, he had informed his supervisors about safety concerns, specifically related to the ride’s sensors, but was ignored.
In his lawsuit, Campbell-Alexander also claims that after Tyre’s death, he was instructed to falsify maintenance logs and sign off on tasks that had not been properly completed. He refused to comply, leading to him being placed on paid leave for nearly a year before ultimately being fired from his position.
The Allegations and Legal Repercussions
The lawsuit filed by Campbell-Alexander highlights the gravity of the situation and the legal ramifications for those involved in Tyre’s tragic death. According to Campbell-Alexander, not only were safety rules being violated, but the consequences of those violations were downplayed and ignored in the aftermath.
“After Tyre Sampson’s death, I was asked to backfill maintenance logs and sign off on the completion of certain tasks that were never actually completed,” Campbell-Alexander stated in his complaint. His lawsuit claims that the companies involved acted irresponsibly by disregarding safety protocols and attempting to cover up their actions after the accident.
Related: Despite Wrongful Death Settlement with Family, Case Against “Death Trap” Ride Designer Stands
The defendants in Campbell-Alexander’s lawsuit, including Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot LLC, have responded by denying the allegations. They assert that Campbell-Alexander was the one who tampered with the ride’s safety sensors, which led to the tragic incident.
The company claims that his actions resulted in Tyre’s fall and that his firing was due to his failure to follow proper safety procedures.
Orlando FreeFall Ride Torn Down and the Ongoing Legal Battle
The Orlando FreeFall ride, which was widely condemned after Tyre’s death, was dismantled on March 7, 2023, nearly one year after the fatal incident. Icon Park confirmed the ride’s removal, which many saw as a necessary step in addressing the fallout from Tyre’s death.
Despite the legal battles, the case remains a symbol of the serious need for accountability in the amusement park industry, where safety concerns should never be overlooked. Tyre Sampson’s family and supporters hope that this lawsuit and the attention it’s garnered will lead to stronger safety standards across the industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the ramifications of Tyre’s tragic death continue to impact many people, we keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, hoping they find the justice and closure they deserve.
