A maintenance technician who worked on the FreeFall ride at Orlando’s ICON Park, which is now closed, claims that safety concerns about the ride were disregarded before a teenager tragically died in March 2022.
According to a lawsuit filed recently, former technician Austin Campbell-Alexander observed issues with the seats and overall structure of the FreeFall Drop Tower around January 2022, a few months before 14-year-old Tyre Sampson fell to his death.
The lawsuit is filed against Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, the owner and operator of the ride, and other affiliated companies, not ICON Park.
Following Sampson’s fatal incident, Campbell-Alexander revealed that he was pressured to falsify maintenance logs and approve maintenance tasks that he and a colleague had not actually completed.
The FreeFall ride was inspected before it was completely dismantled. (Mom & Paparazzi for Fox News Digital)
He said he objected to “fraudulently affirm” that he performed certain tasks, which resulted in him being placed on paid leave and booted from the premises. He said he remained on leave while the defendants attempted to resolve a civil lawsuit with Sampson’s family, and once that was settled, he was fired on March 31, 2023.
The law firm representing Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot sent a statement on Campbell-Alexander’s lawsuit to FOX 35, alleging that the former tech was the one who adjusted sensors on the ride, which resulted in his firing.
“Our clients promptly investigated the tragic accident that resulted in the death of Tyre Sampson. Upon discovering that Mr. Campbell-Alexander adjusted the sensors that resulted in the accident, he was suspended and relieved of any further involvement or access to any rides,” Trevor Arnold and Brian Bieber, GrayRobinson, PA said.
“Upon learning of Mr. Campbell-Alexander’s and other employees’ conduct, we proactively notified investigating authorities. At all times, we cooperated with the investigators. We worked diligently to resolve the litigation and claims with Tyre’s family as well as the administrative agencies involved. Mr. Campbell-Alexander’s claims are in direct conflict with statements he provided following the accident, which will no doubt be demonstrated in Court.”
