ORLANDO, Fla. — The parents of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old boy who fell from the free-fall ride at ICON Park, are speaking out about what happened.
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His mother, Nekia Dodd, spoke in a news conference in St. Louis on Tuesday morning, and his father, Yarnell Sampson, spoke from ICON Park Tuesday afternoon.
The family is taking legal action. They filed a lawsuit against 10 companies, including ICON Park.
READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall could have been prevented
The 65-page lawsuit said he shouldn’t have been allowed on the ride in the first place.
He was too tall and about 100 pounds over the weight limit.
READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother speaks out after family files lawsuit against several companies
The ride also didn’t have any safety belts, which the suit says could have prevented his death.
“That Sunday, I was waiting for my son to come home because he told me I’ll see him Saturday or Sunday. I’m still in shock,” Dodd said.
Tyre’s parents said their son was in Orlando for Spring Break celebrating his good grades and accomplishments.
“No child should lose their life trying to have fun,” Yarnell Sampson said.
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