In a recent development regarding a tragic incident at a central Florida amusement park, a maintenance technician has come forward alleging that he had previously reported safety concerns about the Orlando Free Fall ride, which were ignored by the ride’s operators. Austin Campbell-Alexander claims in a whistleblower lawsuit that modifications were made to the ride’s sensors to accommodate individuals beyond the standard height and weight limits, potentially compromising safety.
Campbell-Alexander further alleges that several critical components of the ride were impaired, including overheated cylinders that impacted seat security and metal joints displaying structural cracks. He also noted that neither he nor his colleagues received adequate training on maintaining safety standards for the ride or ensuring patron safety.
According to Greg Schmitz, Campbell-Alexander’s attorney, the technician informed his superiors about these hazards but his concerns were dismissed. Schmitz stated, “He brought these concerns to his manager and the owner of the ride, and basically they didn’t do what they should have done.”
In contrast, the ride operator’s attorney, Trevor Arnold, countered these allegations. Arnold mentioned that following the incident, Campbell-Alexander was suspended after it was revealed he had tampered with the ride’s sensors, a factor contributing to the accident. Arnold asserted that the company took swift action, informing authorities of Campbell-Alexander’s and other employees’ actions.
The tragic accident in question happened on March 24, 2022, when 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, visiting from the St. Louis area during a spring break trip, fell 70 feet to his death. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 380 pounds, Sampson’s harness reportedly did not lock correctly, leading to his ejection from the ride when it halted abruptly.
Although Campbell-Alexander was not present during the accident, his attorney mentioned that the incident has left him dealing with severe depression and anxiety. Following Sampson’s death, Campbell-Alexander claims he was pressured to falsify maintenance records to suggest that certain tasks had been routinely completed before the accident. He refused this directive and was subsequently placed on administrative leave for a year, with restricted access to the park. He was ultimately terminated after Sampson’s family settled with the ride operators. His lawyers argue that his dismissal was retaliatory due to his raised safety concerns.
Tyre Sampson’s family was awarded a $310 million verdict against the ride’s Austrian manufacturer last year. Meanwhile, Campbell-Alexander’s lawsuit, filed in an Orlando state court, seeks compensation exceeding $50,000, which includes back pay and damages for the trauma experienced while employed there.
Schmitz highlighted the emotional toll on Campbell-Alexander, stating, “It was just very traumatic from his perspective, working there.”
