Was 14-Year-Old Who Died at Orlando Amusement Park Too Heavy for Ride?

Tyre Sampson, the gentle giant who plunged to his death at an amusement park in Orlando, Florida, stood at 6 foot 5, and weighed over 300 pounds. The 14-year-old had reportedly been turned away from at least two other rides at the park because of his size. The accident happened at ICON Park, where the 430-foot FreeFall ride is a popular attraction. In Europe, the maximum passenger weight on the ride is 287 pounds; in the US, there is no maximum weight restriction.

[Mjones]

He was probably so excited to be able to finally get on a ride after being turned down so many times. This breaks my heart and I cannot imagine how the mother is feeling

[colorr-]

This shows that if they tell you you're heavy for something don't take it personally. It's for you're health and safety.

[shadownine]

I'd rather you hurt that young man's feelings and tell him he's too big for the ride instead of the situation we have now where a family have to make funeral arrangements and say goodbye to a loved one 🙏🏾

[naomitrevino]

One of my biggest fears is taking my kids somewhere to have fun and coming home without them. I can't even imagine the guilt and pain. So sorry for this young man and his family.

[onikidman]

Absolutely devastating. I can’t even begin to imagine how his family and on lookers must be feeling. So sad that they got that moment of video too... So so sad

[lorrischwarzbach]

I couldn’t imagine watching my son plummet to his death like that. This is heartbreaking. My condolences to his friends and family.

[Tyexx]

I can't even begin to imagine how the people next to him felt. Absolutely heartbraking. My condolences to the boys family and I hope things get better

[tracyracy]

He was just a child at 14. Reading some of these comments, some of you lack empathy. I can't imagine how scared he must have been. May his soul rest in peace, and I pray his family finds peace in their hearts.

[Tyexx]

So upsetting. Every parents worst nightmare. Heart goes out to them

[daddyelvis]

I can’t imagine how scared he must’ve been. That’s unbelievable, may this gentleman Rest In Peace.

[elsie]

This is the saddest thing ever. This was preventable. I can’t imagine how traumatic this was for everyone on that ride, let alone his friends and/or family that were there with him. It’s so unfair - he just went to have a fun time. My heart aches for his loved ones.

[AzarathGirl]

That's what you get when you don't keep your own body weight in check. Your body, your responsibility, go see a doctor if you can't get it under control.

[twist]

For a child to pre-decease their parents due to a freak accident is unimaginably traumatic and too much to bear. Respect to this teen.

[JohnLukinator]

2 factor safety mechanisms should be required in all roller coasters and theme park attractions that involve a vehicle.

[BettyAnne]

This is horribly tragic. This young man just wanted to have fun and due to improper protocol, he lost his life. I've been in a park and witnessed an accident, the person lived but it was still so horrible to watch. My heart goes out to the family.

[princesspeach]

Poor baby. My heart breaks. Sending prayers to the family..

[cmndrkool]

I’m 30; and he had half a foot and 100lbs on me. This kid was an absolute unit. The ride operator should have known better.

[JP-sbll]

It's sad to see and hear about what happened to this teenage kid and what his family is going through. I can't believe that theme park's, till this day, still don't take weight precaution seriously. Back in 2001, when I was working at Knotts Berry Farm. A 300 pound woman who was on the ride Perilous Plunge, fell to her death when the rollercoaster cart that she was on, started to tilt downward, to drop down the slide. The safety bar was not able to handle the pressure of her weight leaning on it; and broke loose. My condolences, to the teen's family.

[mafermaciasto]

as someone who saw the video before it got deleted, this breaks my heart :(

[Christine_]

This almost happened to my son at the NC State Fair. He’s 17, 6ft 1 in and 320 Ibs…. He tried to get on a ride and the operator was trying to squeeze him into the ride.. I shouted “ he’s not going to fit sir” over and over again. My son really wanted to ride but I made him get off. Thankfully I was over there at that point and time. My prayers go out to this family!