ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s been over two years since a 14-year-old boy visiting Central Florida on spring break fell to his death after slipping from his seat on the Orlando FreeFall attraction.
Tyre Sampson fell as the ride, which took guests into the air over 400 feet before dropping at 70 mph, was plummeting down.
Dozens paid their respects to the 14-year-old and demanded the ride be torn down after the tragedy.
An investigation determined sensors were manually adjusted in the seat Sampson was in, making the ride unsafe and allowing the harness’ restraint opening to be “almost double,” according to a report.
The ride operators agreed to pay a $250,000 fine to the state and take down the attraction, with crews beginning the dismantling weeks before the one-year mark.
And a trial in connection to a lawsuit filed by the boy’s family began on Dec. 5, 2024, against the ride’s manufacturers.
Here’s everything that happened since the boy’s death.
[VIEW COMPLETE TIMELINE BELOW]
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: