Who was ICON Park Orlando victim Tyre Sampson?

ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, is a popular tourist destination that features an observation wheel, aquarium, and a wax museum.

In March 2022, a family's trip turned into a nightmare after their 14-year-old son died while riding the drop tower attraction.

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Who was ICON Park Orlando victim Tyre Sampson?

On March 24, 2022, police received several calls from Orlando's ICON Park that someone had fallen off the Orlando Free Fall attraction.

Upon investigation, authorities identified the victim as 14-year-old Tyre Sampson of Missouri, who was visiting Florida with another family, according to .

Sampson was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

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"At first we thought it was a piece of the ride or whatever until we got a little closer and it was a person laying on the ground," Montrey Williams, who said he witnessed the tragedy, told Fox 35.

"Everyone was just panicking and screaming."

An investigation into the incident is ongoing and the ride will reportedly remain closed until authorities determine what happened.

"It appears to be a terrible tragedy," Orange County Sheriff John Mina said during a news conference. "Our prayers and thoughts are with the family."

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At this time, it remains unclear what led to the teenager's fall.

What have people said about Tyre Sampson's death?

As news started to spread, many offered their condolences to Sampson's family.

Sampson’s youth football coach, AJ Jones of Bad Boyz Football told that he was “devastated” after hearing the news, later calling him a “humble giant” and a respectable young man who dreamed of playing professionally in the NFL.

Others took to Twitter to comment on the tragedy.

"Condolences to the family, the ride operator, anyone who witnessed this tragedy," one user wrote. "Safety checks need to be addressed better. No blame placed on the ride operators unless they’re proven to be negligent."

Another added: "I cannot imagine how his family feels or how he felt in that moment slipping off and falling. Im very upset and i hate opening up the news as soon as i wake up because of incidents like this, but I never learn."

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What is the Orlando Free Fall?

One of the popular rides at Orlando's ICON Park is the Orlando Free Fall.

The ride opened in December 2021 and takes 30 riders up in the air before dropping them 400 feet at an estimated 75 miles per hour, reports.

Drop towers are popular amusement park rides and are often sought out by thrill-seekers.

Prior to Sampson's death, Jacob Kaminsky, 21, fell to his death while inspecting the ride in September 2020.

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He was climbing up the tower part of the ride as he carried out a safety check, according to the 

Unlike Sampson's case, Kaminsky fell backward onto a platform below.