Orlando FreeFall: Florida law 'loophole' may have left teen rider in death trap: expert - Yahoo News
A "loophole" in Florida law may have prevented the operator of the Orlando FreeFall from being required to display a "maximum weight" sign outside the ride, one amusement ride safety expert told Fox News Digital.
Tyre Sampson, 14, died after falling off of the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, on March 24. An operating manual for the Orlando FreeFall states that the maximum passenger weight is just over 286 pounds. Sampson was 6 feet, 5 inches tall and reportedly weighed 360 pounds.
Brian Avery, a University of Florida lecturer and ride safety expert, told Fox News Digital that a "loophole" in Florida law prevented the operator of the ride from being required to display a weight requirement outside the ride.
He said that Florida law states that "they can only enforce the posting of certain rider requirements and things like the weight, height, health considerations, if the manufacturer requires or recommends it."
The manufacturer's operating manual for the 430-feet Orlando FreeFall states that height and several other limitations for the ride, such as "large people," must be displayed on the ride, but maximum weight is not one of them.
Avery said that this is a "loophole of sorts."
"And at that point, you know, that to me is a loophole of sorts, because if you're going to ask the patron to review your signage, become informed and warned of the potential hazards and make a decision with respect to ride or not based on their circumstances, you have to post that information so that they can make an informed decision as to whether this rider device fits them," Avery said.
He said that this "loophole" needs to be closed.
FLORIDA FREEFALL TRAGEDY: AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE AT CENTER OF TEEN'S DEADLY FALL WAS BUILT IN DECEMBER
"When the ride took off, that's when he was feeling uncomfortable. He was like, ‘This thing is moving.’ … That's when he started freaking out," Yarnell Sampson . "He was explaining to his friends next to him … ‘If I don’t make it down … please tell my mom and dad I love them.' For him to say something like that, he must've felt something."
Haggard also said on Tuesday that the Orlando FreeFall has a weight restriction that "is not disclosed to anyone," according to .
"Orlando Eagle Drop continues to cooperate at every level with all state agencies and departments conducting their respective investigations. Friday’s pledge by Florida lawmakers to effectuate change in our industry is welcome. We are committed to working with those in charge to make a difference, as the safety of the public remains Orlando Eagle Drop’s top priority. On Monday, April 4th, we will have staff from the on site. We will continue to provide additional information, as it is appropriate, given our respect for the ongoing investigations," Arnold said.
source: https://news.yahoo.com/orlando-freefall-florida-law-apos-060029667.html
Your content is great. However, if any of the content contained herein violates any rights of yours, including those of copyright, please contact us immediately by e-mail at media[@]kissrpr.com.