Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeDisastersHealthNews

Orlando in Shock: Whistleblower Highlights Safety Violations

Safety violations warning at the Orlando FreeFall ride, following the tragic incident.

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News Summary

In the wake of the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, former technician Austin Campbell-Alexander files a lawsuit revealing serious safety violations at the Orlando FreeFall ride. Allegations include overridden safety sensors and improperly secured harnesses, leading to a $310 million jury award for Tyre’s family. Following this, legislative measures like the Tyre Sampson Act were introduced to enhance amusement ride safety regulations. The affair raises crucial questions about accountability in ride operations.

Orlando in Shock: Whistleblower Claims Safety Violations Before Tragic Fall

In Orlando, the aftermath of the tragic incident that took the life of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson continues to unfold. Nearly three years after tragedy struck on the Orlando FreeFall, an unsettling lawsuit has been filed against the ride operator that raises significant safety concerns. This lawsuit, brought forth by the law firm Morgan & Morgan, comes from Austin Campbell-Alexander, a former maintenance technician who claims to have warned about the ride’s risky conditions just weeks prior to the incident.

The Context: A Heartbreaking Incident

On March 24, 2022, Tyre Sampson lost his life after plummeting from the 430-foot FreeFall ride during a visit to ICON Park. The investigation into this heart-wrenching event revealed that Tyre, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing about 360 pounds, was too large for the ride, and the shoulder harness designed to secure him was not fastened correctly. This tragic event led to a significant response from both state authorities and Tyre’s grieving parents, who sought justice in the form of legal action.

Campbell-Alexander’s Claims

Working as a maintenance technician from April 2021 to March 2023, Campbell-Alexander alleges that he reported several serious safety issues concerning the FreeFall ride. His concerns included instances of overridden sensors to allow larger patrons onto the ride, potentially dangerous overheated cylinders that may have compromised seat security, and visible cracks in the ride’s metal structure. Despite raising these red flags to his supervisor, Campbell-Alexander claims that the ride was allowed to operate without any meaningful intervention.

The whistleblower further alleges that he was asked to falsify maintenance logs to indicate that necessary safety tasks had been completed before Tyre’s tragic fall. Refusing to compromise his integrity, he declined the request, leading to a period of paid administrative leave that lasted an entire year. Following an eventual settlement between state officials and Tyre’s family, Campbell-Alexander’s employment was terminated—a move he believes is retaliation for acting on his safety concerns.

The Aftermath of Tyre Sampson’s Death

As investigations unfolded, it became evident that the ride posed grave dangers not only to Tyre but to other patrons as well. The Orlando FreeFall ride, which first opened in December 2021, was permanently closed and dismantled in 2023 after ongoing safety violations came to light. As part of a settlement in 2023, the ride operator, Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, promised never to operate the drop tower again.

A Legislative Response

In response to the tragedy and the associated fallout, the Florida Legislature passed the Tyre Sampson Act in 2023. This critical legislation aims to enforce stricter safety regulations for amusement park rides, including measures to prevent unauthorized adjustments to restraints and increase oversight related to ride safety. The act was established in the hopes of preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

A $310 Million Jury Award

After the tragic loss of their son, Tyre’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the ride’s manufacturer, Funtime. Their pursuit of justice culminated in a staggering $310 million jury award in December 2024, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about ride safety.

What Comes Next?

As the lawsuit filed by Campbell-Alexander weaves through the legal system, it brings to light the vital importance of safety in amusement parks. Although ICON Park has not been named as a defendant in the case, the ripples of Tyre Sampson’s tragic death and the allegations of safety violations continue to spark discussions about accountability and regulation in the amusement park industry.

In the world of thrills and adventure, safety should always come first. The heart-wrenching narratives surrounding this incident serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and integrity in protecting the lives of riders everywhere.