Support continues to pour for the family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson. The teen was killed after he fell from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park.
Ongoing Show of Support
In a report with Click Orlando, supporters gathered in front of the growing memorial to offer prayers for the teen and his family. They also left offerings of lighted candles, flowers, and balloons.
Those who went to the memorial were strangers around the state. They did not know the teen or his family but felt that they should offer support.
Show of Solidarity
Building Generations of Hope organized a prayer vigil for Sampson on Monday, March 20. Over 50 people attended the event to pray for the teen and his family.
One of those who attended the event said their condolences. They assured the family that they offered prayers for their son.
"We're sending prayers all the way here for you, we (are) praying for (for) strength. I know it's hard, but just know God is right there by your side," they said.
Many of those who attended the event said they drove to Orlando to offer their condolences. The prayer vigil concluded when attendees released balloons into the air and shouted, "We Love You Tyre."
Some of those who attended the event said they only knew of Sampson from the news. Claire Rich is from England, and she admitted that she had never met the teen but felt moved to join the vigil.
No Family Deserves Tragedy
Rich pointed out that no family deserved such a tragedy. She added that she could not imagine what they were going through right now.
Azoira Wright is another stranger to the Sampson family. She told the news outlet that she did not want to miss the chance to spread hugs and love.
Wright said that she knew what the mother was feeling now. She hoped and prayed that Tyre's mother would find the strength to move on.
Act of Negligence
In a report with WESH, Sampson's attorneys said that the teen's death was a result of negligence. According to the news outlet, Attorney Ben Crump gave little detail on the result of his investigation of the Free Fall ride.
Crump had his team of attorneys, ride designers, and safety experts.
The report said that the team spent hours reviewing operations and maintenance manuals. They also examined the in and remote operating equipment along with its collection of warning lights.
According to the report, Sampson fell out of his harness as the ride descended. He died in front of the patrons of the park.
Crump said that Sampon's death was preventable. He stressed that the teen's death was the worst tragedy captured on video other than George Floyd's killing.
The attorney vowed that he and his team were doing a thorough investigation of this tragic killing.
An inspector from the Department of Agriculture talked to experts from Quest Engineering. The team was hired to investigate the fall and determine if the owner, Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot LLC., had violated laws designed to protect guests.
The weight limit for the said ride while Sampson's family reported that he weighed 300 pounds.
More from Crossmap: Olympic medalist visits alma mater Trinity Catholic High School
