Tyre Sampson's Seat Was Still Locked When The Ride Stopped, Investigation Into Teen's Death Reveals

The seat of the teenager who fell to his death from an amusement park ride was still locked, according to an alleged accident report.

14-year-old Tyre Sampson tragically fell from the 430-foot Orlando Free Fall ride at the ICON Park, which has been dubbed as the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower ride.

The terrifying death was captured and posted on social media by various people.

Sampson could be seen falling to the ground from his seat where shocked eyewitnesses looked to be rushing to call emergency services.

FOX 35

But now, according to an accident report obtained by CNN, it has been suggested that Sampson's seat was actually locked when he fell to his death.

"Harness was still in a down and locked position when the ride stopped," the report states. CNN says the report is based on ride employee witnesses.

SlingShot Group, who owns the ride, said its safety precautions mean it is only meant to operate if all riders are safely locked in.

Spokesperson John Stine told CBS News it's 'very difficult to say' what went wrong, adding: "The way the ride is designed, with all the safety features and redundancy, there shouldn't be an issue."

Last week, Sampson's father spoke out about his son's fears before the ride set off.

FOX 35

The teenager, from Missouri, was on holiday in Orlando with friends through a football programme when he visited the amusement park, but dad Yarnell said his boy was worried about the ride before his tragic death.

Speaking to FOX 35, the father said: "He was panicking when he was going up. When the ride took off, that's when he was feeling uncomfortable. He was like, 'What's going on?'

"That's when he started freaking out, and he was explaining to his friend next to him, 'I don't know man. If I don't make it down, please tell my Mom and Daddy I love them.'

"For him to say something like that, he must have felt something."

He added: "This should never happen to anyone else's child ever again, and if I have anything to do with this, it will not happen ever again."

WESH2

In a statement, ICON Park said: "Tonight, the ICON Park family is grieving because of the tragedy involving Tyre Sampson. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends. 

"We are in close coordination and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and regulators regarding our tenant, the SlingShot Group."

In a statement posted yesterday, 28 March, ICON said: "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."

The incident is still under investigation.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677