ST. LOUIS — For the first time, Nekia Dodd visited the Orlando theme park where her son, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, died.
The middle schooler slipped out of his seat while on the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park on March 24, 2022.
The ride was the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower. Once the ride reaches the top, it tilts forward 30 degrees and falls at speeds of more than 75 miles per hour.
Operators of the 430-foot drop-tower began the process of dismantling the ride this week. Just last week, the attorney for Orlando Slingshot said the goal was to have the ride fully deconstructed before the anniversary of Sampson’s tragic death.
Dodd told reporters in a news conference Thursday afternoon she was filled with emotions ranging from anger to peace being at the site.
"It's a bittersweet moment," she said. "The ride is coming down but my son isn’t coming back. My son took his last breath on this ride, so it’s heartbreaking."
Her attorney Michael Haggard also called the ride a 'death trap' and emphasized the importance of safety measures in this case.
"We all know if this ride had a seat belt, this would never have happened," he said.
Haggard announced in the news conference, Dodd had reached a settlement with ICON and Slingshot.
In February 2023, Orlando Eagle Drop confirmed another settlement and a resolution was made with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The operator of FreeFall paid a $250,000 fine to the state.
In June 2022, an autopsy showed that Sampson weighed 383 pounds when he died. The weight limit for the ride was 287.
An initial report by outside engineers hired by the Florida Department of Agriculture said sensors on the ride were adjusted manually to double the size of the opening for restraints on two seats.
This resulted in Sampson not being properly secured, according to the report.
Sampson’s parents sued the ride’s owner almost exactly a month after their son's death.
The lawsuit claimed the manufacturer and landlord were negligent and failed to provide a safe amusement ride.
The lawsuit also said no weight or height restrictions were posted at the ticket counter and no one warned Sampson.
The eighth-grader was looking forward to playing football for East St. Louis High School in the fall.
Sampson also played for Bad Boyz, a nationally-ranked youth football program based out of St. Louis.
Dodd said she's a created a foundation for her son called Tyre "Big Tick" Sampson Foundation L.L.C.
Her goal is to support school athletic programs and give back to schools.
Tyre Sampson Bill
Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson proposed Senate Bill 902, which is the Tyre Sampson Act, in February.
Thompson's goal is to protect future riders.
Under her bill, seat belts would be required for any ride taller than 100 feet and a ride's height and weight requirements must be clearly visible.
Haggard has been at the Florida Capitol testifying in favor of parts of the bill and new amendments including a requirement for a seat belt and harness for any ride over 100 feet.
"A seat belt would save Tyre’s life and that’s what Nekia wanted in that bill," Haggard said.
Dodd said she would testify for the bill.
On Monday, the bill unanimously passed the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government.