Investigation Finds Tyre Sampson Fell To His Death On Amusement Park Ride After His Harness Was Manually Altered

Before 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling out if his seat on a ride, the harness on the ride was adjusted. The incident occurred on a drop-tower ride at an amusement park in Florida.

Reports also indicate that Tyre Sampson was over the weight limit for the ride as he was over 300 pounds. A recording of the occurrence was captured on a witness’s cell phone.

In March, Sampson passed away after falling from the FreeFall drop tower ride at ICON Park, in Orlando. The ride goes down from more than 400 feet at 75 mph.

Quest Engineering & Analysis, Inc. discovered the seat that Sampson occupied was “manually manipulated.” The harness restraint was expanded to accommodate his size. The expansion was nearly “double that of a normal restraint opening range.”

Although Sampson wasn’t correctly secured in his seat, the adjustment allowed the FreeFall’s sensor lights to illuminate. This “improperly satisfied” the rides safety measures. Thus, the ride was able to start.

Reports reveal the harness restraint was expanded 7.19 inches. The ride did not malfunction.

“During the slowing of the ride, Tyre Sampson slipped through the gap between the seat and the harness” and fell to his death, documents state.

Rep. Geraldine Thompson, of Florida, stated that she is “very disturbed” by the report.

“As you might imagine, the family is in shock. You send your 14-year-old son away for spring break, and he doesn’t return alive. So, they’re in shock,” Thompson said.