ORLANDO, Fla. — The father of the boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall is speaking out after the recent decision to take the ride down.
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Tyre Sampson, 14, fell from the ICON Park attraction on International Drive in March.
Sampson’s father said he wants to see a memorial in honor of his son, which could be a plaque, a street in the area named after him or a children’s
so his son isn’t forgotten and the work to prevent this from happening again does not stop.
READ: ‘Meaningful change’: Orlando FreeFall ride to be taken down following Tyre Sampson’s death
“Every time you look at the ride, it’s a sore reminded that a 14-year-old young man from St. Louis, 4.0 honor student, lost his life,” Sampson said.
His son slipped from his seat while on the ride and fell to his death in March.
An investigation found the teen was more than 100 pounds over the ride’s weight limit, and that the ride has been tampered with so the safety harness on his seat looked like it was all the way closed when it really wasn’t.
READ: Tyre Sampson’s family: Removing FreeFall ride a small victory that could lead to laws changed
The family called for the ride to be taken down. Last week, the Orlando SlingShot said they’re listening and the ride will be dismantled. A timeline for that to happen has not yet been given.
“For them to try to do the right thing now, it’s a step toward the right direction,” Sampson said.
The Sampson family’s attorneys said they’re working on strengthening safety around rides like the FreeFall, as well as a scholarship in Sampson’s honor.
READ: Florida lawmaker to draft Tyre Sampson bill to address amusement park ride safety
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