A former maintenance technician has filed a lawsuit against the operators of the FreeFall ride at Orlando’s ICON Park, claiming that critical safety concerns were overlooked leading up to a tragic incident in March 2022, which resulted in the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson.

Background of the Incident

According to the lawsuit, filed this Wednesday by Austin Campbell-Alexander, he observed several safety issues concerning the ride’s seating and structural integrity as early as January 2022. Just months later, on March 24, 2022, Sampson fell to his death from the ride due to the seat failure, reportedly exacerbated by his height and weight exceeding the ride’s safety limits.

Details of the Allegations

Campbell-Alexander claims that prior to the incident, a ride operations manager was manually overriding safety sensors on two of the seats to accommodate larger riders. The lawsuit suggests that this practice ignored the manufacturer’s stated weight and height restrictions and posed a significant danger to riders.

The operating manual for the FreeFall ride indicated that the maximum weight for riders was just over 286 pounds, raising concerns about safety when larger individuals were allowed to ride without proper restraints.

Reported Safety Concerns

During his tenure, Campbell-Alexander documented multiple safety hazards, including malfunctioning components. For instance, he noted that a crucial metal cylinder responsible for securing riders became excessively hot, leading to improper securing of seats. Additionally, he reported spotting cracks in key structural joints just days before the fatal incident.

The lawsuit confirms that Campbell-Alexander raised these concerns with his supervisor; however, operations on the ride continued, contrary to recommended safety practices.

Post-Incident Actions

Following the tragedy, an investigation revealed issues concerning maintenance protocols. Campbell-Alexander reported that he was pressured to falsify maintenance logs, claiming he performed certain safety checks that he had not actually completed. His refusal to comply led to his suspension and eventual termination shortly after the conclusion of the civil lawsuit with Sampson’s family.

Company’s Response

The legal representation for Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot has responded to the allegations, stating that Campbell-Alexander himself engaged in the improper adjustments to the ride’s sensors and was subsequently relieved of his duties as a result. They assert that their clients conducted thorough investigations into the incident and cooperated with authorities throughout.

Legislative Changes and Future Implications

In the aftermath of the incident and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding amusement park ride safety, Florida’s legislature has proposed the ‘Tyre Sampson Act,’ aimed at increasing safety regulations for amusement park rides in the state. This legislative action highlights a growing concern over ride safety and accountability among operators.