A former maintenance technician is suing over long-ignored safety concerns tied to the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who fell from the FreeFall ride at Orlando’s ICON Park nearly three years ago. As the anniversary of the fatal incident approaches, the lawsuit brings renewed scrutiny to the decisions and alleged negligence that allowed the towering amusement ride to continue operating despite serious warnings.
The technician, whose name has not been publicly released in court filings, claims he repeatedly raised alarms about modifications made to the ride that compromised its safety — including the overriding of sensors designed to prevent oversized riders from being seated. According to the suit, those changes were made to boost the ride’s accessibility and revenue, directly contributing to the fatal March 24, 2022 accident that claimed Tyre Sampson’s life.
Sampson, a teenager from Missouri, was visiting Florida during spring break when he boarded the FreeFall ride — the tallest drop tower in the world at 430 feet — operated by the now-defunct company, Slingshot Group. Tyre slipped from his seat during the ride’s descent, plummeting to his death in a horrifying incident that was captured on video and sparked nationwide outrage.
The technician’s lawsuit alleges a “culture of disregard” for maintenance protocols and rider safety, accusing the ride’s operators and associated contractors of prioritizing profit over life. The complaint includes internal documentation and messages the technician says he sent to supervisors warning of the seat sensor override and improper training among ride attendants.
The claims align with findings from a state investigation conducted after the accident. Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services concluded in 2022 that the ride’s safety harness system had been “manually adjusted” in a way that allowed a gap in the restraint mechanism far beyond manufacturer specifications. The investigation found that the seat Tyre was assigned to had been specifically modified to accommodate larger riders — a move that bypassed key safety measures.
The FreeFall ride was permanently shut down in October 2022, and ICON Park severed ties with the ride’s operator. In the months following the incident, Tyre’s family launched a lawsuit against multiple parties involved in the ride’s design, operation, and oversight. In 2023, a jury awarded the family $310 million in damages, citing gross negligence and systemic failure in ensuring passenger safety.
Now, as the former technician takes legal action, questions about whistleblower protections, corporate responsibility, and regulatory oversight resurface. Legal experts say the new lawsuit could provide crucial insight into the internal operations of Slingshot Group and other companies linked to the ride, especially if the technician’s claims are corroborated by documents and testimony.
Tyre Sampson’s parents continue to advocate for stronger amusement park safety standards. Since their son’s death, they have worked with lawmakers on proposed legislation, including “Tyre’s Law,” which would implement stricter inspection requirements, mandatory reporting of maintenance logs, and clearer accountability for ride modifications. While some reforms have passed in Florida, broader federal action remains stalled.
As the three-year mark of Tyre’s death approaches, the lawsuit filed by the technician adds a powerful voice to the chorus demanding justice and reform. The technician, now seeking damages and whistleblower protection, says he hopes his legal action will prevent future tragedies and highlight the need for a culture of safety over profit in the amusement industry.
ICON Park has not issued a new statement regarding the lawsuit, but previously expressed condolences to the Sampson family and reiterated its commitment to never reopening the FreeFall ride. Representatives for Slingshot Group could not be reached for comment.
Source Link:
