ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando FreeFall drop tower ride at ICON Park will be torn down following the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who fell out of the ride's restraints in March while visiting Florida for Spring Break, the attraction's operators announced on Thursday.In a statement, CEO of Orlando Slingshot Ritchie Armstrong said the company decided to take down the 430-foot drop tower ride to respect Sampson's family's wishes, as well as public outcry over the boy'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" - Orlando Slingshot CEO Ritchie Armstrong"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," Armstrong's statement read. "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 timeline for taking down the FreeFall ride has not been determined yet.RELATED: Orlando FreeFall death: Tyre Sampson's family celebrates late teen's 15th birthday, to file bill in his name"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," ICON Park said in a statement.