The teenager who fell to his death at a ride in Florida should've never been allowed to get onboard -- something his folks are now claiming in a new lawsuit against the park.
Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson -- the parents of late 14-year-old Tyre Sampson -- have filed a wrongful death suit, via attorneys Michael Haggard -- the managing partner of Harrard Law Firm -- and Ben Crump, against ICON Park and its pertinent associates, including the creators and operators of the free-fall ride itself, claiming negligence ... among other counts.
According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Sampson's parents allege the attraction in question had certain height and weight restrictions that their son was in clear violation of ... and which should've been addressed either via signage or from the staff itself on site.
His parents, however, claim none of that happened that day -- namely, they say there were NO signs to dissuade people from getting on who shouldn't, and nobody working there said anything either ... so Tyre got in thinking there wasn't a problem, when there clearly was.
Not just that, but the parents also claim the ride itself wasn't as safe as it should've been compared to other rides of the same nature ... alleging those other free-fall type drops are often protected against with not just a shoulder harness, but a seatbelt as well -- SOP, they insist.
This IP ride, though, did NOT have a seatbelt, per the lawsuit, and the Sampsons believe that contributed to their son being ejected from his seat and plummeting to the ground.
"I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the young man who lost his life late last night after falling from the Orlando Free Fall attraction. We can't imagine the pain and anguish that his family must be going through."- OCSO Sheriff John Mina pic.twitter.com/a6tRdVn9PC
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 25, 2022
As you know ... Tyre hit the ground from about a 100-foot height and succumbed to his injuries. In addition to negligence, Tyre's parents are also claiming strict liability against some of the defendants. They're asking for damages and a jury trial before a judge.
Tyre's parents are expected to share some public comments Tuesday.