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Teen dies after fall from Orlando thrill ride
An investigation is underway in Orlando after a 14-year-old boy died on a drop tower thrill ride.
The teen fell from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park.
Owners describe it as the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower, rising to 430 feet in height.
Police identified the teen as Tyree Samson.
The operator Slingshot Group told Spectrum News 13 all riders were secured in their seats and there the cause of the fall remains unclear.
“We’re going to do everything we can to work with the investigative authorities to get to the matter of this,” the company said.
Officers from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are due onsite early Friday to conduct a full investigation.
The ride opened just a few months ago and plummets to the ground at speeds of 70 miles per hour.
“We are absolutely saddened and devastated by what happened, and our hearts go out this young man’s family,” said John Stine, Slingshot Group sales director.
Ray Monty
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