Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson, Tyre’s parents, resolved part of their wrongful death claim for an unknown amount. Last March 24, Tyre fell from a 430-foot amusement ride and died.
THIS IS TYRE SAMPSON.
— LuAnne Sorrell FOX 35 (@FOX35LuAnne) March 25, 2022
He is the 14-year-old who died after falling off of the “Orlando Free Fall” drop ride. #FOX35 News talks exclusively with his father at 5:00 and 6:00. #Orlando #Dropride pic.twitter.com/w1gdjnh9sG
Spring Break brought the 14-year-old and another Missouri family to Florida. As the ride descended, Tyre escaped the bonds. Fox 35 reported that the drop tower had opened less than four months prior to the event. It’s permanently closed and anticipated to disappear before Tyre’s first anniversary.
Tyre’s parents sued ICON Park, Slingshot Group, Fun Time Thrill Rides, and Gerstlauer Amusement Rides a month after their child’s death.
Michael Haggard, her attorney, informed reporters this week that the parents settled with Icon Park and Slingshot Group. Fun Times and Gerstlauer are still targets.
Tyre Sampson’s Mother Attends ICON Park Tower Ride Destruction
Wednesday’s ICON Park press conference featured Michael Haggard’s lawsuit update. Nekia, Tyre’s mother, witnessed the ride’s demolition for the first time at the site of his death. Haggard said she prioritised removing the ride.
The Florida Senate and Agricultural Committee debated a Tyre Sampson memorial measure this week. Senator Geraldine Thompson introduced the Tyre Sampson Act to increase ride inspections, rules, and training.
Tyre Sampson’s mother, Nekia Dodd, said this afternoon she has settled her civil lawsuit with the Free Fall ride’s owner, Orlando SlingShot, and ICON Park.
— Katie Rice (@katievrice) March 15, 2023
Standing in front of the ride, she said her “emotions were all over” about it coming down.
Story: https://t.co/pfpWt4rAF7 pic.twitter.com/mnoNWHAiVQ
Tyre’s mother, Nekia, also advocated for amusement ride safety. Her lawyer stated it was Tyre’s mother’s second legacy wish at Wednesday’s press conference. Nekia wanted seatbelts and harnesses for rides beyond 150 feet.
Florida’s inquiry discovered that Tyre’s seat was physically altered to fit his 300-pound frame. Haggard claimed more safety features could have saved Tyre.
Senator Thompson said Fox 35 she will change the bill to include Dodd’s comments. The bill also allows the state to inspect rides unannounced, sign them off before opening, evaluate personnel training, and close unsafe rides.
Haggard said “our children are all at risk” unless Florida’s governor passes the bill.