Relatives of a teen who was killed when he was evicted from a Florida theme park last week said he was removed from two other places on the same night because of his weight.
Tyre Sampson’s family asks why attendees of the FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando let him ride when he was about 50 pounds heavier than the stated weight limit.
One of his relatives told NBC affiliate what? Orlando. “Look, his life would still be here.”
Relatives, including father Yarnell Sampson and his cousin Johnson teaHe said the Sampson photos were about 6 feet 5 inches tall and 340 pounds.
Johnson said what? The cousin said the teen called her on Thursday and told her he “really wanted to ride the swing.”
But she said he was turned away because of his weight.
Then he said he went to SlingShot,” Johnson said. “They told him he was too old for that… You didn’t let him have those two, but you let him have that, being overweight.”
ICON Park spokesperson William Willons said via email that the ride is owned and operated by SlingShot Group, which he said is responsible for hiring attendees or contractors.
“Icon Park is the owner of the entertainment destination,” Willons said. “The SlingShot group is responsible for the two thrill rides.”
The games owner said the FreeFall and SlingShot attractions are temporarily closed.
“Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Tyre Sampson and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. We are fully cooperating with the state and local authorities investigating this tragic incident,” Slingshot Group CEO Richie Armstrong said in a statement.
On Monday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released documents related to its investigation, including its Ride Operations Manual, which says 286.6 pounds is the maximum weight for each rider. It states that attendants need to pay special attention to large passengers and turn them away if they are not fit.
An accident report released on Monday stated that The magnet works to stop According to the report, the operator said the ride and “when the magnets engaged, the patron exited the seat. The belt was still in the low position and locked when the ride was stopped.”
When construction began on FreeFall in 2019, the journey was described as Longest tower trip in the world, with a planned elevation of over 400 feet.
On Tuesday, family members and well-wishers gathered in the park for Light the candles and drop the balloons To honor the teenager who St. Louis Post-Dispatch He said he was in Florida for a soccer camp during spring break.
Former coach, Arno Jones, described Tyre Sampson as a first-class freshman who wasn’t in trouble. “Yes, sir,” said he, “yes, ma’am, to everything.” KSDK.
Elisha FeldstadtAnd the Anthony Cusumano And the Nicole Duarte Contributed.
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