ORLANDO, Fla. — State leaders are calling on the governor to take action on a bill that would protect people on thrill rides like “Orlando Free Fall” at Icon Park.
Earlier this year, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson slipped from his harness on the “Orlando Free Fall” and died.
State leaders say Sampson’s death could have been prevented.
The bill is still in its draft phase but Fried told Channel 9 that she wanted people to know this is still a priority for her as she’s running for re-election.
Part of the provisions would require better training for employees, surprise visits from inspectors to follow the rules, national testing of rides and would require reporting calls for maintenance.
The state representative who covers this area previously hinted at an extra layer of safety, such as seat belts.
“It may be that the investigation will point out that not only the harness but an additional safeguard, which would have been a seatbelt, could have saved Tyre’s life,” said State Representative Geraldine Thompson (D-Orange County).
Investigators found the teen’s seat was manually adjusted, creating a seven-inch gap, to allow for larger riders.
Channel 9 has reached out to the governor’s office, Icon Park and Sampson’s family for comment but have not heard back yet.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.