Dozens pay respects to 14-year-old who died at ICON Park

Tyre Sampson fell from world’s tallest drop tower attraction

Memorial for Tyre Sampson grows at Icon Park. (Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of people crowded the Orlando Free Fall attraction Sunday night. Many of them did not know Tyre Sampson, but each came to pay their respects.

A growing memorial sits in front of the ride with flowers, candles, and poster signed by several people.

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“It was such a tragedy and I feel like every rallied around just to be around the family and just to be able to come out and show our support,” Sierra Williams said.

She came to Icon Park specifically to see the memorial.

Shock is lingering following the tragedy when the 14-year-old boy slipped through the restraints of the ride and fell to his death.

State investigators and attorneys representing Sampson’s family are working to figure out who is responsible.

“The focus of our investigation is going to be on the training of the staff on the ground who [may] not have secured Tyre before the ride took off,” attorney Bob Hilliard said.

Hilliard said the investigation will also include the design of the ride itself.

At this point, no further updates have been provided in the investigation.


About the Author

Treasure joined News 6 at the start of 2021, coming to the Sunshine State from Michigan.

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