SlingShot Group Updates
This section of our website is intended to provide information specific to our tenant, Slingshot Group.
Orlando FreeFall Announcement – Oct. 6, 2022
Statement from the Orlando Slingshot, operator of the Orlando FreeFall:
Orlando Slingshot announces Orlando FreeFall ride to be taken down
Orlando Slingshot announced it has decided to take down the 400-foot-tall FreeFall ride attraction on International Drive. The decision resulted from the accidental death of Tyre Sampson on March 24.
“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,” said Ritchie Armstrong, with Orlando Slingshot. “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.”
The details of the scholarship are being developed and further information will be shared in the future and after consultation with the family of Tyre. Additionally, the timeline for taking down the FreeFall ride will be determined by the approvals of all involved parties and regulatory entities.
Statement from ICON Park, the landlord:
ICON Park supports removal of Orlando FreeFall
The Orlando Slingshot leases land from ICON Park, which supports the decision to take down the ride.
“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.
ICON Park Update – April 18, 2022 4:00 pm
ICON Park is committed to providing a safe, fun experience for families. We will continue to support the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with their ongoing investigation.
ICON Park Update – April 1, 2022 1:00 pm
We commend the diligence and thoroughness that Commissioner Fried and the team at the Florida Department of Agriculture have shown as they investigate the operation of the Slingshot Group’s Orlando Free Fall ride.
ICON Park looks forward to working with elected officials, regulators, and the amusement industry to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again.
As the landlord at ICON Park, our mission is to provide safe family entertainment. We rely on our tenants to be experts at what they do.
In the interests of public safety, ICON Park has demanded that the SlingShot Group suspend not only the operation of Orlando FreeFall, but also the operation of Orlando SlingShot.
ICON Park Update – March 28, 2022 5:00 pm
ICON Park demands SlingShot Group suspend operations
As the landlord of the 20-acre entertainment destination in the center of the Orlando Entertainment District, ICON Park’s mission is to provide safe, family entertainment. We rely on our tenants to be experts at what they do. In the interests of public safety, ICON Park demands that the SlingShot Group suspend not only the operation of Orlando FreeFall but also the operation of Orlando SlingShot, effective immediately, continuing until such time as a thorough investigation by the appropriate authorities has been completed and all parties are satisfied that the rides are safe for the public.
We continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations of the Orlando FreeFall.
We continue to grieve the passing of Tyre Sampson and our thoughts are with his family and friends. This was the saddest day in the history of ICON Park and we’re working hard to make sure this never happens again.
ICON Park Update – March 25, 2022 11:00 pm
Tonight, the ICON Park family is grieving because of the tragedy involving Tyre Sampson. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and friends.
ICON Park is committed to being a place where families can spend quality time together in a safe and fun space.
We are in close coordination and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and regulators regarding our tenant, the SlingShot Group.
We will continue to keep you updated on ICONParkOrlando.com. If you have any comments or concerns, please email Comments@ICONParkOrlando.com.
ICON Park Update – March 25, 2022 10:00 am
A tragedy occurred last night at the Orlando FreeFall and our hearts are heavy with sadness.
The owner of the attraction is fully cooperating with authorities and ICON Park is doing everything we can to assist. Statements from the Orlando FreeFall and Orange County Sheriff’s Office are below:
The Orlando FreeFall will be closed pending a full investigation. Other businesses at ICON Park are scheduled to be open during their normal business hours.
Statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office:
“On March 24, 2022 at 11:12 p.m., deputies responded to 8433 International Drive (Orlando Free Fall) for a 911 emergency. Witnesses on scene reported that someone had fallen from the ride. A 14-year-old male was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. This death investigation is in its very early stages. This is all the information we have for release at this time. We will send updates when they become available.”
Statement from the SlingShot Group, operator of the Orlando FreeFall:
“We are heartbroken with the incident that took the life of one of our guests. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and friends. We are working with the Sheriff’s Office and ride officials on a full investigation. The Orlando FreeFall will be closed until further notice.”
For General Questions and Comments, Please Email Comments@ICONParkOrlando.com
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