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Google PlayA teenager has died after falling from a ride at an amusement park in Orlando, Florida.
The incident took place at ICON Park late Thursday evening, per a local report from Fox 35 Orlando, with witnesses describing the initial confusion at the scene. One park attendee revealed that several people had assumed that a “piece of the ride” had fallen to the ground. When they got closer to the scene, however, witnesses said they could see “a person laying on the ground.”
The teen, described as a 14-year-old boy, was taken to a nearby hospital after falling from the Orlando Free Fall ride at the park. He later died due to injuries sustained in the fall. In a press release from last year, the attraction—which opened in December—was billed as standing at 430 feet in height. According to the park, this stat is claimed to make the Orlando Free Fall “the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower.” The ride is owned and operated by the Slingshot Group of Companies, as is ICON’s Orlando Slingshot.
When reached for comment by Complex on Friday morning, a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an investigation into the incident as being in the “very early stages.” See the rep’s full statement below:
“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.”
Complex has also reached out to a rep for ICON Park for additional comment. This post may be updated.
