Photo: Sean Gallup / Getty Images
Dollywood temporarily closed its free fall ride after a boy fell to his death on a very similar ride from the same manufacturer at a park amusement park in Orlando, reported a spokesperson for Dolly Parton’s Tennessee theme park.
“We were deeply saddened to hear about the heartbreaking accident at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Wes Ramey, director of public relations for Dollywood.
“Although Dollywood does not have the specific attraction involved in this tragic incident, the safety of our visitors is our top priority. As a precaution, and until more details about the accident at ICON Park are known, we have temporarily closed Drop Line, our drop-top tower ride that was developed by the same manufacturer“, said Ramey.
Tire Sampson, from 14 years old, died falling from the OrlandoFreeFall attraction last Thursday night, which is described as the tower tallest freestanding fall in the world with 430 feet high .
For its part, Dollywood’s Drop Line has 20 floors, according to the Pigeo Forge, Tennessee park website.
According to the alleged video found on social networks, A person can be seen falling from their chair a few seconds after the free fall of the ride, perhaps two-thirds of the way down.
An official from the company that operates the ride told Spectrum News 13 that the boy was secured in his chair. However, investigations continue to clarify whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
Furthermore, the director of sales and marketing of the Slingshot Group and which operates the park in Orlando, told CNN that the company is devastated by the death of the teenager and that they are focused on investigating what really happened.
The amusement park, ICON Park, which was inspected in December, is temporarily closed while investigations are carried out.
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