According to Orange County Sheriff’s Office officials, a teenager died after falling while riding a drop tower attraction in the Orlando area.
A 911 caller reported an incident at ICON Park on International Drive late Thursday evening, prompting several law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics to respond.
Deputies were told by witnesses in the area that someone had fell off the Orlando Free Fall ride. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office later reported that a 14-year-old boy was taken to the hospital and died as a result of his injuries.
People who witnessed the boy’s fall from the ride were interviewed by a local news site. They said they saw the boys’ parents panic as they watched.
“At first we thought it was a piece of the ride or whatever until we got a little closer and it was a person laying on the ground,” said Montrey Williams. “Everyone was just panicking and screaming.”
“We operate the ride with all the safety precautions in mind. Everything is in place and this is why we are doing this investigation,” John Stine, director of marketing for the Slingshot Group, told FOX 35 News.
The Orlando Free Fall is 430 feet tall, according to ICON Park’s website, “making it the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower.” When fully loaded, the ride can seat 30 riders.
World’s Tallest Free Fall Drop Tower at Icon Park Orlando – Ride Reaction Cam and POV
As it rises, the vehicle spins around a central tower. Riders bend forward and face the earth briefly after reaching the top before free-falling about 400 feet at around 75 miles per hour.
The Orlando Slingshot is right next to the Orlando Free Fall. According to the ICON Park website, these attractions, which debuted in December, are owned and controlled by the Slingshot Group of Companies.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, this death investigation is still in its early phases. During the investigation, the ride will be suspended.
