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Topics: US News, Dolly Parton
Daisy Phillipson
Dollywood has temporarily closed its free-fall ride after a 14-year-old boy died on a similar ride from the same manufacturer at a theme park in Florida.
Tyre Sampson from St Louis tragically fell from the 430-ft FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando last week, and was rushed to hospital where he was later confirmed to have died.
Although Dollywood wasn’t involved in the incident, it has shared its condolences to the teenager’s family while taking the decision to close down its Drop Line, the free-fall tower ride that was developed by the same company.
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In a statement to the press, Wes Ramey, PR director of the Tennessee-based theme park – which is co-owned by country music icon Dolly Parton and Herschend Family Entertainment – said: "Although Dollywood does not have the specific ride involved in this tragic incident, the safety of our guests is our top priority.
"Out of an abundance of caution, and until further details about the accident at ICON Park are known, we have temporarily closed Drop Line, our drop tower ride that was developed by the same manufacturer."
Ramey added that the reopening of the ride will be reexamined once the Orlando investigation is complete.
According to CNN, Sampson’s parents have hired attorneys Ben Crump and Bob Hilliard who are seeking witnesses of the incident on the FreeFall ride, which had been dubbed the ‘world’s tallest free-standing drop tower’.
Speaking to the news outlet, Crump said: "This family is shocked and heartbroken at the loss of their son. This young man was the kind of son every parent hopes for – an honor roll student, an aspiring athlete, and a kind-hearted person who cared about others. Needless to say, his family is absolutely devastated."
Hilliard added, "Families have a right to expect these national theme parks, making millions of dollars, will keep their children safe and will put that safety above all else."
As Orange County police continue to investigate the incident, a safety inspection report obtained by the publication showed the ride had passed in December before it was able to open.
The ride has been closed at ICON park, as confirmed in a statement that reads: “ICON Park formally notified the owner of the Orlando FreeFall, the SlingShot Group, demanding suspension not only of the operation of Orlando FreeFall but also the operation of Orlando SlingShot, effective immediately, until the attractions are proven to be safe by authorities.
“As the landlord of the 20-acre entertainment destination in the center of the Orlando Entertainment District, ICON Park’s mission is to provide safe, family entertainment. We rely on our tenants to be experts at what they do.
“In the interests of public safety, ICON Park demands that the SlingShot Group suspend not only the operation of Orlando FreeFall but also the operation of Orlando SlingShot, effective immediately, continuing until such time as a thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities has been completed and all parties are satisfied that the rides are safe for the public.
"We continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations of the Orlando FreeFall.”
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