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Lawsuit Claims Safety Concerns Ignored Before Teen’s Fatal Fall from Orlando Ride
A former maintenance technician of the now-closed FreeFall ride at Orlando’s ICON Park has filed a lawsuit, alleging that serious safety issues were overlooked in the weeks leading up to a tragic incident where a 14-year-old boy fell to his death in March 2022.
The lawsuit, submitted on a recent Wednesday, features accusations from Austin Campbell-Alexander, who claims he identified significant safety problems concerning the ride’s seats and overall structural integrity as early as January 2022. These concerns arose just months before Tyre Sampson tragically lost his life when he fell from the ride.
In this legal action, Campbell-Alexander has targeted Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, the ride’s owner and operator, along with other affiliated companies, while notably excluding ICON Park itself.
According to the adapted allegations cited in the lawsuit, Campbell-Alexander learned that an operations manager had been manually overriding safety features associated with the ride during its opening. This manager reportedly employed a substitute sensor for two seats, which allowed for the accommodation of larger patrons who exceeded the established height and weight restrictions.
The lawsuit asserts that this modification posed a danger to public safety, indicating that the manufacturer’s guidelines clearly established specific weight and height requirements for riders. The manufacturer’s manual specifies a maximum passenger weight of just over 286 pounds.
Campbell-Alexander maintained that he reported this dangerous practice to his supervisor. However, despite his warnings, the ride continued to operate outside of industry safety standards.
Adding to his concerns, Campbell-Alexander stated he received no proper training for his maintenance role, a situation he believed extended to other employees charged with ensuring the safety of patrons and the effective operation of the ride.
The lawsuit outlines various safety issues that arose with the FreeFall ride, indicating that it remained operational when it should have been closed for repairs to protect patrons.
In a troubling sequence of events leading up to the accident, Campbell-Alexander and a colleague noticed critical safety issues. In March 2022, they found that a metal cylinder responsible for securing riders was excessively hot, raising fears of inadequate seat security. Shortly thereafter, they observed cracks forming in the joints of the gondolas, which transport riders.
On March 24, 2022, tragedy struck when Tyre Sampson, who stood at 6-foot-5 and weighed approximately 360 pounds, fell to his death. State investigators concluded that the seat did not latch properly due to Sampson’s size when the ride dropped from a height of 400 feet at speeds exceeding 75 mph.
In the aftermath of the incident, an investigation commenced, during which Campbell-Alexander alleged that he was instructed to falsify maintenance logs and sign off on tasks that were never completed. Refusing to comply with this request led to his placement on paid leave and eventual removal from the site. He remained on leave while the defendants navigated a civil lawsuit with Sampson’s family. Following the resolution of that case, Campbell-Alexander was officially terminated on March 31, 2023.
The legal team representing Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot issued a statement regarding the allegations outlined in Campbell-Alexander’s lawsuit. They claimed that he had adjusted the sensors on the ride, a decision that led to his dismissal.
Trevor Arnold and Brian Bieber, from GrayRobinson, PA, stated that their clients promptly initiated an investigation following Tyre Sampson’s fatal accident. They alleged that Campbell-Alexander’s manipulations of the ride’s sensors contributed to the tragic event, resulting in disciplinary actions against him.
The law firm confirmed that they actively cooperated with investigators throughout the process. They expressed their commitment to resolving claims with Sampson’s family and adhering to the demands of relevant administrative agencies. The attorneys emphasized that Campbell-Alexander’s current claims contradict previous statements he made in the wake of the accident, promising that this discrepancy would be revealed in court.
Revisiting Ride Safety Standards
This tragic incident has raised crucial questions about safety practices and regulations in amusement parks. The FreeFall ride, featuring a drop from extreme heights and speeds, demands rigorous safety protocols. The standards set by ride manufacturers aim to protect patrons and must be taken seriously by operators.
As investigations continue, the focus shifts toward more stringent safety measures in amusement parks across Florida and beyond. Increased oversight is essential to prevent any similar tragedies in the future.
In response to the mounting concerns surrounding amusement park safety, the Florida Legislature recently passed the Tyre Sampson Act. This law aims to enhance regulations and enforce stricter safety protocols, ensuring that rides are maintained and operated according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Final Thoughts on Ride Safety
The unfortunate loss of Tyre Sampson serves as a grim reminder of the need for accountability and adherence to safety guidelines in amusement parks. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains hopeful for justice and change, ensuring that safety regulations are enforced and public trust is restored.
