Thankfully a decision has been taken to remove the Orlando FreeFall ride from ICON Park following the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson.
Sampson died on March 24, after plunging to his death while riding the Orlando FreeFall, which has been closed ever since. Video of the incident was shared widely on social media.
The towering ride has been a blot on the landscape of International Drive ever since.
Sadly no announcement has been made on when the ride will be removed, we can only hope it is soon.
The rides operators, Orlando Slingshot made the announcement today, Thursday 6 October, 2022.
In a statement, CEO of Orlando Slingshot, Ritchie Armstrong said:
"We are devastated by Tyre’s death. We have listened to the wishes of Tyre’s family and the community, and have made the decision to take down the FreeFall,"
Armstrong's statement read. "In addition, Orlando Slingshot will honor Tyre and his legacy in the classroom and on the football field by creating a scholarship in his name."
Armstrong's company also owns Orlando Slingshot, a slingshot ride at ICON Park, next to the drop tower.
This ride has not been operational since the accident, but with no mention of it in the statement, we assume the ride will be re-opening, perhaps after the drop towers removal.
Orlando Slingshot also own the popular Orlando Starflyer, which is near the location of the drop tower, with this ride continuing to be in operation.
Other rides owned by Orlando Slingshot include the slingshot ride at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, plus another slingshot and a separate ride called The Vomatron at Old Town in Kissimmee.
They also own slingshots in Daytona and Panama City.
ICON Park officials said they support the decision to take the ride down.
“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.
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