TYRE SAMPSON

Riders were trapped on 'The Wheel' at Orlando's Icon Park for hours on New Year's Eve due to a power failure. And you thought your...

The Wheel at ICON Park is closed for maintenance after losing power, stranding dozens on board.

Orange County Fire Rescue crews evacuated dozens of people from the Ferris wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida after a power failure on New Year's Eve.

Hurricane IanHurricane Ian floods streets in Osceola County (WFTV)Hurricane Ian devastated portions of Central Florida when it made landfall in southwestern Florida at 3:10 p.m. on Sept. 28 as a Category 4 storm. Nicole came ashore as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved across the state. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Tyre SampsonIN-DEPTH: 14-year-old dies after falling off Orlando FreeFall Safety expert: ‘I have serious concerns’ about harness in teen’s death on Orlando FreeFallIn March, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson tragically fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall drop ride at ICON Park. READ: NASA’s Artemis I rocket begins journey to moon after launching from Florida’s Space CoastThat includes a test of the Orion heat shield. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 WFTV Election Results WFTV is committed to bringing complete coverage of the 2022 midterm elections.

From rent control to redistricting, this was the news that meant the most

ORLANDO, Fla. — The owner and operator of the Orlando FreeFall tower which has closed since a 14-year-old boy fell from it and died in March, is disputing accusations of wrongdoing, as a civil case against the company moves forward. In a court filing Friday, attorneys for Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot LLC denied that the ride operator tampered with sensors meant to ensure passengers were locked into their seats before the ride began. Read: State fines Orlando Free Fall operator $250K related to investigation into Tyre Sampson’s deathThe attorneys filed their request for an administrative hearing as part of a request to have charges of wrongdoing dismissed. Read: ‘Meaningful change’: Orlando FreeFall ride to be taken down following Tyre Sampson’s deathThe company has been under pressure ever since Sampson’s fall, which was captured on videos uploaded to social media. However, she called the evidence a “slam dunk,” and said her mission was to teach everyone involved in Sampson’s death a lesson.

The owner and operator of the Orlando FreeFall attraction where a teen fell to his death earlier this year is arguing against the state’s findings in its investigation into the boy’s death and requesting a formal hearing, according to a new filing.

News 6 has now learned, documents about employee training and safety inspections were signed and dated the night of Tyre Sampson's death in March, not in February as the dates on the document suggest.

The Florida Department of Agriculture continued to push for proposed ride safety legislation as the investigation into the death of a 14-year-old boy who fell from the Orlando FreeFall thrill ride back in March came to a close.

Florida state officials are looking to fine the operators of Orlando's Free Fall ride at Icon Park and are forwarding their investigation of Tyre Sampson's...

An investigation into a 14-year-old boy’s fatal fall from the Orlando FreeFall attraction determined the boy’s death was caused by changes made to the seat’s sensors. Now, the Florida Department of Agriculture is seeking a $250,000 administrative fine against the ride’s operator.

The Orlando thrill ride from which a 14-year-old boy fatally fell earlier this year will be torn down, but not until a death investigation is completed, state officials announced Monday.

Although operators of the Orlando FreeFall announced the attraction's permanent closure earlier this month, state officials said that Tyre Sampson's death investigation must conclude before...

A hearing is scheduled in the wrongful death lawsuit against the operators of the Orlando FreeFall attraction where Tyre Sampson, 14, fell to his death earlier this year.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The father of the boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall is speaking out after the recent decision to take the ride down. Tyre Sampson, 14, fell from the ICON Park attraction on International Drive in March. READ: ‘Meaningful change’: Orlando FreeFall ride to be taken down following Tyre Sampson’s death“Every time you look at the ride, it’s a sore reminded that a 14-year-old young man from St. Louis, 4.0 honor student, lost his life,” Sampson said. READ: Tyre Sampson’s family: Removing FreeFall ride a small victory that could lead to laws changedThe family called for the ride to be taken down. “For them to try to do the right thing now, it’s a step toward the right direction,” Sampson said.

Tyre Sampson slipped from his seat on the Orlando FreeFall and fell hundreds of feet to his death. The autopsy listed Sampson’s weight as 383 pounds. READ: ‘Meaningful change’: Orlando FreeFall ride to be taken down following Tyre Sampson’s deathThe teen’s family sued, hoping to make a change. Cloud school resource officer during cafeteria fightKimberly Wald, the attorney for Sampson’s mother Nekia Dodd, said this is a victory, albeit a small one. Wald said Sampson’s mother wants something in honor of her son installed at the ride’s location.

ORLANDO, Fla. — There are plenty of things to do across the region this weekend. Many events were rescheduled due to Hurricane Ian last weekend. Hot Wheels: Race to Win, presented by Nemours Children’s Health, begins Saturday and runs through Jan. 8, 2023. Taste of Space Fall BitesGet a taste of fall that is out of this world. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting Taste of Space Fall Bites, with plenty of delicious food options.

The Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park which is operated by Orlando Slingshot announced they will tear down the 400-foot ride following the death of Tyre Sampson on March 24 earlier this year. The young man who died is 14-year-old Tyre Sampson of Missouri. Following Sampson’s death the ride has been closed indefinitely. ICON Park said they appreciated the decision Orlando Slingshot made in deciding to tear down the ride. “As the landlord, ICON Park welcomes and appreciates Orlando Slingshot’s decision to take down the ride,” ICON Park said in a statement.

The decision to remove the more than 400-foot ride was directly linked to the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson last March, the owner said in a statement.

The Orlando thrill ride where Tyre Sampson, 14, fell to his death earlier this year is being taken down, according to a statement from the attraction’s operator

The Orlando thrill ride where Tyre Sampson, 14, fell to his death earlier this year is being taken down, according to a statement from the attraction’s operator

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park will be taken down following Tyre Sampson’s death in March. Read: 9 things to know about the Orlando FreeFall at ICON ParkArmstrong said the company will also be creating a scholarship in Tyre’s name. “Tyre’s death is a tragedy that we will never forget. As the landlord, ICON Park welcomes and appreciates Orlando Slingshot’s decision to take down the ride,” said ICON Park. VIDEO: Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall ‘could have been prevented’ Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall ‘could have been prevented’Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 ICON Park vigil People including family gathered at a vigil outside Orlando FreeFall Monday to honor 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who fell from the ride and died last week.

Months after the death of Missouri teen Tyre Sampson on Icon Park's Orlando FreeFall ride, the operator has decided to shut the ride down permanently....

Attorney Ben Crump to speak Wednesday with family of teen who died on Orlando drop rideORLANDO, Fla. — More details are expected to be released Wednesday involving the death of Tyre Sampson. Original report: Boy, 14, dies after falling from FreeFall ride at ICON Park in OrlandoSampson would have turned 15 on Wednesday, but the 14-year-old fell to his death from the Orlando Free Fall ride in March. Attorney Benjamin Crump and Tyre’s family will hold a news conference Wednesday on International Drive to discuss their wrongful death lawsuit. WATCH: Report: Orlando FreeFall’s operator made manual adjustments to ride that made it unsafeTyre’s parents filed the lawsuit against Icon Park, the Slingshot Group and others. WATCH: ‘The proper respect’: Father of boy who died on Orlando FreeFall ride calls for permanent memorialChannel 9 will be at the news conference and will provide continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.

Attorney Ben Crump and the family of a 14-year-old boy who died after falling from an Orlando thrill ride in March held a news conference to mark what would have been the teen’s 15th birthday.

VIDEO: Florida’s amusement ride safety proposal doesn’t go far enough, expert says Draft framework released by politicians seeking to prevent future amusement park ride deaths doesn’t go far enough, one ride safety expert says. Require amusement parks to notify the government whenever emergency services become involved, instead of when a patron requires hospitalization. While some local lawmakers cheered and called for a special session to address the framework, amusement park ride safety expert Brian Avery, a 30-year veteran of the industry, said the draft needs more work. Amusement ride monitoringAvery said he was pleased by the proposed inspections into ride operations. In response to a follow-up question, he said the state of Pennsylvania was the best at enforcing safety requirements at theme and amusement parks.

VIDEO: State leaders call on governor to take on on thrill ride bill to protect riders VIDEO: State leaders call on governor to take on on thrill ride bill to protect riders (Chantelle Navarro, WFTV.com/WFTV)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 free fall ride remains closed nearly four months after Sampson fell to his death. On Wednesday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried introduced a framework for legislation to make thrill rides safer.

State leaders will discuss a push to improve safety on thrill rides in Florida.

VIDEO: State leaders set to announce new law to make thrill rides safer VIDEO: State leaders set to announce new law to make thrill rides safer (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — State leaders plan to unveil a new law to 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 free fall ride remains closed nearly four months after Sampson fell to his death. Read: Operation Flashpoint: FBI, Homeland Security ask local businesses to help spot suspicious activityOn Wednesday, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried plans to introduce a framework for legislation to make thrill rides safer.

Icon Park has asked to have a lawsuit against them following the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson dismissed. Sampson slipped out of his harness and...

State Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said Wednesday, her agency is working on a full analysis of the ICON Park ride that killed Tyre Sampson. Fried’s...

ORLANDO, Fla. — State leaders will talk about the future of ICON Park on Wednesday after a teenager fell to his death on one of the rides. Tyre Sampson died on the Orlando FreeFall in March. READ: ICON Park introduces new ride, The Carousel on The PromenadeState Sen. Randolph Bracy and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried will hold what they call a “community conversation” about where the park should go from here. Channel 9 will let you know what happens at the news conference. Check back and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

Florida officials said there is no timeline for reopening the Orlando drop tower at ICON Park in Orlando after a 14-year-old boy fell to his death from the thrill ride earlier this year.

It has been nearly three months since 14-year-old Sampson fell from the free-fall ride at ICON Park. Sampson’s father, Yarnell Sampson, said he wants there to be no possibility of this ride ever reopening. Yarnell Sampson visited ICON Park to find some peace on his first Father’s Day without his son. He deserves to be respected more than what they’re giving him,” Yarnell Sampson said. Thompson said she will file the “Tyre Sampson bill” on the first day of the next legislative session.

The operator of the Orlando FreeFall attraction, where a 14-year-old boy fell to his death in March, said it hopes to reopen one of its other rides at ICON Park.

Video: ‘Did not follow their own restrictions’: Tyre Sampson’s family attorney talks after autopsy releasedORLANDO, Fla. — One of the attorneys representing the family of the teenager who fell to his death spoke in Orlando on Monday. Investigators said Sampson was well over the ride’s weight limit but someone had modified the safety sensors on two seats, allowing larger passengers to ride. WATCH: Protest erupts outside ICON Park after teen’s memorial cleanedAttorney Ben Crump spoke about the weight concerns during the news conference. The weight limit was 286 pounds but they did not follow their own restrictions,” Crump said. WATCH: Team investigating 14-year-old’s death on free-fall ride speaks outChannel 9′s Phylicia Ashley will continue to follow this story throughout the day.

The father of a 14-year-old boy who fatally fell from an Orlando attraction is speaking alongside his lawyer, Ben Crump, on the release of his son’s autopsy report.

Video: Father of teen killed on freefall ride to speak in Orlando on Monday Three months after a teenager on spring break fell to his death from a thrill ride at ICON Park, a protest is set to take place Monday in Orlando. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Three months after a teenager on spring break fell to his death from a thrill ride at ICON Park, a protest is set to take place Monday in Orlando. WATCH: Protest erupts outside ICON Park after teen’s memorial cleanedThe father of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson will be at the freefall ride Monday afternoon, standing alongside lawyer Ben Crump. The medical examiner said Sampson was nearly 100 pounds over the ride’s weight limit when he fell 100 feet off, to his death. WATCH: Team investigating 14-year-old’s death on free-fall ride speaks outThis comes after an investigation from the state found the ride had been altered to fit larger riders.

An autopsy released Monday showed 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died of a result of blunt force trauma and manner of death is being ruled an ‘accident’. Orlando FreeFall autopsy says teen died of blunt force trauma, weighed nearly 100 pounds over ride limithttps://t.co/m2fp867NPT — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2022The Autopsy reported conducted by the Orange County Medical Examiner revealed that Sampson weighed nearly 100 over the maximum passenger weight capacity for the 430- foot drop tower ride located at Orlando’s ICON Park according to Fox 35 Orlando. AdvertisementThe medical examiner reported the extent of the report in a statement:“The body is that of well-developed, obese, 74 inch, 383 pound, black male, appearing older than the reported age of 14 years,” the report stated. The report also reveals the details multiple internal and external abrasions, lacerations, and fractures to Sampson’s body. According to Ride rules for the Orlando Free Fall attraction, the maximum passenger weight is 287 pounds.

Sampson was well above the ride's suggested weight limit

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A medical examiner released Tyre Sampson’s autopsy on Monday. According to the ride manual, the maximum weight of a Free Fall rider should be 286 pounds. READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall could have been preventedThe average gap between the seat and the harness on the Free Fall ride is 3 inches. Investigators said Sampson’s seat was extended to about 7 inches. The state still has not revealed who made the adjustment to Sampson’s seat.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orange County Medical Examiner has released its final autopsy report in connection with the death of a teen who fell from an Orlando attraction last March. The report says 14-year-old Tyree Sampson suffered “blunt force trauma,” ultimately leading to his death. READ: Documents shed light on inspections and construction of Orlando free fall rideThe autopsy ruled that the manner of death was accidental. The teenager died on March 24 after falling from an amusement ride at ICON Park in Orlando. TIMELINE: 14-year-old boy dies after falling from ICON Park free fall rideIn April, Sampson’s family filed a lawsuit against 10 companies, including ICON Park where the ride was located.

A 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from an Orlando thrill ride in March was nearly 100 pounds over the weight limit of the attraction, according to an autopsy report released by the Orlando medical examiner’s office.

Protestors gathered outside ICON Park Monday afternoon to rail against the amusement park following the death of a 14-year-old boy after he fell from the park’s Orlando FreeFall ride.

VIDEO: Protest erupts outside ICON Park after teen’s memorial cleaned Protestors gathered outside the Orlando FreeFall site at ICON Park after they learned the memorial for Tyre Sampson had been downsized and hidden from view. (Nick Papantonis, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A handful of protestors gathered outside the Orlando FreeFall site at ICON Park after they discovered the memorial for Tyre Sampson had been downsized and hidden from some tourists’ view. RE: "In consultation with Tyre Sampson’s family and Icon Park, Orlando Slingshot recently cleaned the memorial area and consolidated memorial items. An attorney disputed the activists’ claims, saying both ICON Park and the family had given the group permission to clean and consolidate the memorial before they touched it. “Memorial items that were removed have been saved for delivery to the family’s representatives,” Trevor Arnold, attorney for Orlando Slingshot, wrote in a statement.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Records just made public show that Tyre Sampson was more than 200 feet above the ground when he slipped out of his seat on the Orlando FreeFall. Records also show that the ride was on the way down when Sampson fell. READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall could have been preventedSampson’s friend’s father was standing outside the fence with his girlfriend when Sampson fell from the ride. They told deputies that after Sampson fell, they could see that he was still breathing, but he was unresponsive. READ: 9 things to know about the Orlando FreeFall at ICON ParkThe ride also didn’t have any safety belts, which the lawsuit says could have prevented his death.

An incident report and 911 calls are released in a teen's fatal fall from an Orlando thrill ride.

The mother of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old boy who fell from the free-fall ride at ICON Park, is speaking out about what happened. They filed a lawsuit against 10 companies, including ICON Park. READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall could have been preventedThe 65-page lawsuit said he shouldn’t have been allowed on the ride in the first place. READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother speaks out after family files lawsuit against several companiesThe ride also didn’t have any safety belts, which could have prevented his death. READ: Tyre Sampson death: Lawsuit claims that Orlando drop ride at ICON Park was ‘unreasonably dangerous’Channel 9 will be following this story all day.

The father of the teen who fatally fell from the Orlando FreeFall attraction last month is speaking from ICON Park in Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. — For the very first time, we’re hearing from the mother of Tyre Sampson, who died on the Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park. ABC News got an exclusive interview with Nekia Dodd after she and her family filed a lawsuit against several companies on Monday. READ: Tyre Sampson’s mother: Death on FreeFall ‘could have been prevented’Dodd made it clear that she wants justice for her son. READ: Tyre Sampson death: Lawsuit claims that Orlando drop ride at ICON Park was ‘unreasonably dangerous’“So as an operator, you have a job to check those rides, you know. READ: Investigators say Tyre Sampson’s restraint was modified to allow larger visitors on Orlando FreeFallWe also reached out to the ride operators and ICON Park for their take on the lawsuit.

ORLANDO, Fla. — For the first time, we are hearing from the mother of a teen who lost his life riding Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park on International Drive. A memorial has been growing at the base of the tower ever since 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died in March while visiting from St. Louis. READ: 9 things to know about the Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park“This could have been prevented, it should have been prevented,” Nekia Dodd, Sampson’s mother, told “Good Morning America.” “As an operator, you have a job to check those rides. READ: Tyre Sampson death: Lawsuit claims that Orlando drop ride at ICON Park was ‘unreasonably dangerous’An investigation by state officials found that workers adjusted the safety sensors to allow Sampson’s harness to indicate it was locked and closed when it wasn’t. The ride also didn’t have seat belts for the seats.

The mother of a 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall ride is spoke publicly for the first time in St. Louis about her son’s death.

Free Fall Ride Vigil Orlando Family members and friends of Tyre Sampson leave items during a vigil in front of the Orlando Free Fall drop tower in ICON Park in Orlando on Monday, March 28, 2022. Sampson, 14, was killed when he fell from the ride late Thursday evening. While most free-fall rides have a shoulder harness and a seatbelt, the Orlando Free Fall ride had only an over-the-shoulder harness. Spokespeople for the ride's owner, Orlando Slingshot, and landlord, ICON Park, didn't immediately have comment on the lawsuit. The Orlando Free Fall ride, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty, didn’t experience any electrical or mechanical failures, the report said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Tyre Sampson wrongful death suit filed, claims Icon Park should have known ride was unsafeSeveral companies are now facing a wrongful death civil lawsuit over the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who died on the freefall ride at Icon Park one month ago. The lawsuit claims the drop ride was unreasonably dangerous and is holding the manufacturers of the ride, Icon Park and the Sling Shot Group, responsible. “This ride was designed to be the most dangerous and thrilling freefall ride in the world,” said Dodd’s attorney, Michael Haggard. The lawsuit states that none of the riders, including Sampson, were warned about the dangers of the ride. Read: Tyre Sampson death: Lawsuit claims that Orlando drop ride at ICON Park was ‘unreasonably dangerous’The suit also stated Icon Park should have known someone could have been seriously injured or die because of the adjustments made and their past experience and knowledge.

The family alleges the ride's owner, manufacturer and landlord were negligent and failed to provide a safe amusement ride.

Tyre Sampson's family filed a lawsuit against all entities associated with the Orlando Free Fall on Monday. The lawsuit comes after the 14-year-old teen from...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Attorneys for the family of Tyre Sampson will file a lawsuit on Monday over the death of their son. The 14-year-old fell to his death from the free-fall ride at Icon Park one month ago. READ: Family of teen who died on Orlando drop ride expected to file lawsuit Monday, lawyers sayState investigators said changes made to two seats on the Orlando FreeFall led to Sampson’s death. WATCH: Lawyer for Sampson family demands answers, says video proves teen was not secured in rideThe report reveals that the seats were manually adjusted after the inspection. READ: Report: Orlando FreeFall’s operator made manual adjustments to ride that made it unsafeWe’ll have updates on the specifics of the cases throughout the day.

A ride safety expert said that “someone killed” the teenager who died after falling off an amusement park ride in Florida, and believes charges should be filed in the teen's his death.

A lawsuit on behalf of the family of a 14-year-old boy who fatally fell from an Orlando thrill ride last month was filed Monday in Orange County.

Family of teen who died on Orlando drop ride expected to file lawsuit Monday, lawyers sayORLANDO, Fla. — Lawyers representing the family of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who died while riding the Orlando FreeFall tower drop ride, are expected to file a wrongful death lawsuit on Monday. WATCH: Lawyer for Sampson family demands answers, says video proves teen was not secured in rideSampson family lawyers said the suit will be against “multiple businesses.”They also said Nekia Dodd, the mother of Tyre Sampson, is planning to hold a news conference Tuesday. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 21 Teen dies after falling from Orlando ride (WFTV.com News Staff)This will be the first time Dodd has talked publicly about the death of her son. WATCH: ‘Completely preventable’: Attorney visits Orlando thrill ride where teen fell to his deathTyre Sampson fell to his death while riding the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park on March 24. State investigations have been looking into what caused Tyre Sampson to fall from the ride.

An investigation into the accidental death of a Black teen in an Orlando, Florida, amusement park has found a park employee tampered with the ride’s […]

ORLANDO, Fla. — Investigators said Tyre Sampson’s restraint was modified to allow larger visitors to go on the Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park. State investigators said changes made to two seats on the ride led to 14-year-old Sampson’s death. READ: Report: Orlando FreeFall’s operator made manual adjustments to ride that made it unsafe“The next phase of how and why it occurred, and we will look towards potential penalties,” Fried said. Orlando FreeFall at ICON ParkREAD: Boy, 14, dies after falling from FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando“It shocks me the companies can be this irresponsible,” said attorney Michael Haggard. READ: Investigation into 14-year-old’s death on free-fall ride continues“This was an accident waiting to happen,” Haggard said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — An attorney for Tyre Sampson’s mother said criminal charges may be on the table after investigators found the Orlando FreeFall seat he fell to his death from was altered. Investigators said two of the ride’s chairs had been intentionally changed to fit bigger riders, widening what was supposed to be a 3-inch gap below the harness to more than 7 inches. The attorney for Sampson’s mother, Michael Haggard, said everyone except the teen operators should be liable and, in the owner’s case, possibly criminally. “This was an accident waiting to happen the moment it was designed, and then put into place (at) ICON Park and SlingShot.,” Haggard said. ©2022 Cox Media Group

The gap between the safety harness and the seat Tyre Sampson fell from was over twice as large as the gap seen in other seats on the same ride.

The family attorney for the mother of the teen killed after falling from an Orlando thrill ride said legal action is likely on the way.

Free Fall Ride Vigil Orlando Heart-shaped balloons drift under the seats of the Orlando Free Fall drop tower in ICON Park in Orlando during a vigil at the ride on Monday, March 28, 2022. The average opening for restraints on the seats on the 430-foot (131-meter), free-fall amusement park ride located in the heart of Orlando's tourist district was 3.3 inches (8.3 centimeters). An inspection of the seats showed that sensors used to activate safety lights on the two seats, indicating the harness safety restraints were in place, had been adjusted to allow for the wider openings, the report said. “The cause of the subject accident was that Tyre Sampson was not properly secured in the seat primarily due to mis-adjustment of the harness proximity sensors,” said the report from Quest Engineering and Failure Analysis, Inc. The Orlando FreeFall ride, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty, didn't experience any electrical or mechanical failure, the report said.

Sensors on a Florida amusement park ride had been adjusted manually to double the size of the opening for restraints on two seats, resulting in a 14-year-old boy not being properly secured before he slipped out and fell to his death, according to an initial report released Monday by outside engineers. The average opening for restraints on the seats on the 430-foot (131-meter), free-fall amusement park ride located in the heart of Orlando's tourist district was 3.3 inches (8.3 centimeters). An inspection of the seats showed that sensors used to activate safety lights on the two seats, indicating the harness safety restraints were in place, had been adjusted to allow for the wider openings.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A team of investigators will give an update on Tyre Sampson’s death investigation on Monday afternoon. Sampson, 14, died last month after falling from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park. The ride has been closed indefinitely. READ: Boy, 14, dies after falling from FreeFall ride at ICON Park in OrlandoFlorida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried will be joined by FDACS division of consumer services director Rick Kimsey and Florida House Rep. Geraldine Thompson. READ: Investigation into 14-year-old’s death on free-fall ride continuesThe news conference is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m.Eyewitness News will have a crew there to learn more about the investigation.

An independent forensic engineering firm hired in the investigation into a teen’s fatal fall from an Orlando drop tower found the operator of the thrill ride manually adjusted the sensors in the seat he was in, which made the ride unsafe.

It looks like karma has caught up with Lewishena Browning, aka “Shay Johnson.” As Blavity previously reported, a 14-year-old named Tyre Samspon recently lost his life at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.

Attorneys representing the family of a 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall attraction are holding a news conference.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump is expected to arrive in Central Florida on Tuesday morning. The teen died last month after falling from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park. READ: Safety expert: ‘I have serious concerns’ about harness in teen’s death on Orlando FreeFallOn Monday, inspectors for the state were looking at the ride’s seats, measuring and using diagrams to recreate the incident. READ: Investigation into 14-year-old’s death on free-fall ride continuesThe state hired a team of forensic engineers and failure analysis to do the inspection. READ: ICON Park calls for FreeFall, SlingShot rides to suspend operations following teen’s deathThe accident report reveals the ride did not malfunction.

Inspectors were back at the Orlando FreeFall thrill ride at Icon Park on Monday, testing it yet again and sending the ride carriage into the air, even while leaving the seats on the ground and raising only the top half of the carriage.

ORLANDO, Fla. — State investigators say it could be months before they know what exactly went wrong the night 14-year-old Tyre Sampson was killed when he fell from a free-fall ride at Icon Park. On Monday state inspectors were back out at the park, taking measurements and trying to recreate the incident that led to the teen’s death. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted an initial inspection of the ride in December and found no deficiencies. “ICON Park looks forward to working with elected officials, regulators, and the amusement industry to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again. “As the landlord at ICON Park, our mission is to provide safe family entertainment.

The state hired a forensic engineering firm to help investigate the Orlando FreeFall incident that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy.

A woman who claimed to be related to a 14-year-old boy who died after falling from an Orlando thrill ride is not known to the teen’s family, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s been over a week since the death of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who was killed in a fall from an Orlando thrill ride while he was vacationing in Florida.

Family and friends of the Missouri teen killed in Orlando held a vigil at his hometown football field on Thursday evening.

As the investigation into Trye Sampson’s death continues, a Central Florida safety expert with more than 30 years of experience believes the accident at Orlando Freefall could be the catalyst needed to make changes to Florida’s ride safety laws.

The cause of a 14-year-old’s fatal fall from an Orlando drop tower attraction last week has not yet been determined as an investigation continues, according to the state agency leading the investigation.

Central Florida lawmakers are responding to News 6’s investigations into Orlando FreeFall.

Florida Sen. Randolph Bracy sent a letter to the state department in charge of investigating what led to the death of a 14-year-old who fell from a thrill ride at ICON Park on Friday, urging it to permanently close the Orlando Free Fall.

Day after day, supporters of Tyre Sampson has gathered outside of ICON Park, in front of the ride where Sampson fell and died last week.

The ride operator of Orlando FreeFall the night of Tyre Sampson’s death had received her training only four and a half weeks prior, according to records released by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

News 6 witnessed workers canvassing the area around the Orlando FreeFall a day after 14-year-old Tyre Sampson's family and supporters called on the company to tear it down at his memorial.

A longtime independent ride safety inspector and expert witness said the ride manual for the FreeFall drop tower — obtained by News 6 from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services which is now responsible for investigating the accident — shows that the ride maker and ride operator failed 14-year-old Tyre Sampson.

More than 50 people showed up Monday evening for a vigil honoring 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who died last Thursday evening after falling from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park.

The Orlando FreeFall is the subject of scrutiny as state agencies look into what caused a 14-year-old to fall to his death from the ICON Park ride last Thursday.

For hours Monday, complete strangers called for action and showed their support at the ride where Tyre Sampson died.

The owners of ICON Park are demanding the company behind some of its thrill rides to suspend all ride operations in the wake of the death of a teen last week.

A prayer vigil is being held for the 14-year-old boy who died after falling from a drop tower at ICON Park.

Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee says it has temporarily closed a ride developed by the same maker of a free-fall ride from which a teen dropped to his death at a Florida attraction.

A rising middle school football player in Missouri, only 14 but already 6 feet, 5 inches tall and well over 300 pounds, Tyre Sampson fell to his death from a towering Florida amusement ride.

A growing memorial sits in front of the ride with flowers, candles, and poster signed by several people.

Montrey Williams recalled Thursday night when Tyre Sampson, 14, lost his life after somehow falling out of his seat from the ICON Park Free Fall ride.

Attorneys Ben Crump and Bob Hilliard have been hired on retainer to represent the family of Tyre Sampson, 14, who fell to his death Thursday night from the Orlando Free Fall at ICON Park, according to a news release from Ben Crump Law and Hilliard Martinez Gonzales.

Attorneys Ben Crump and Bob Hilliard have been hired on retainer to represent the family of Tyre Sampson, 14, who fell to his death Thursday night from the Orlando Free Fall at ICON Park, according to a news release.

News 6 took a closer look into the Orlando Free Fall and the company that operates it Friday after a 14-year-old fell to his death from the ICON Park attraction late Thursday.

The Orlando FreeFall is shut down indefinitely as state inspectors from the Florida Department of Agriculture begin their investigation into how a teen fell from the ride and plummeted to his death Thursday night.