Kansas City Chiefs DE Frank Clark’s foundation is doing its part to help honor a St. Louis, Missouri teen who tragically died at an amusement park on Thursday, March 24. 14-year-old Tyre Sampson succumbed to his injuries after falling from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. The ride is known as “the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower.”
Sampson was an aspiring football athlete and had the dream to play professional football in the NFL. When Clark heard about Sampson’s story he was moved to action, pledging to help the family cover funeral costs. After hearing more about Sampson from his mother, Nekia Dodd, Clark’s foundation came up with a plan to ensure his legacy would live on.
Clark shared an Instagram post on Wednesday evening detailing those plans.
“When I heard of the tragic passing of Tyre Sampson, I knew I needed to do something to help his family. I can’t imagine the hurt and loss that his family and loved ones are experiencing, but I wanted to relieve some of that pain, worry, and stress of the media by covering the cost of Tyre’s funeral, so that his family could celebrate and honor him.
When talking with Nekia, Tyre’s mom, I had the pleasure of learning about the many accomplishments of Tyre. His passion for football, basketball, how gentle his heart was and his big appetite for loving people. I made a promise to Nekia that Tyre’s legacy would live on.
In honor of such a wonderful, son, brother, friend and student-athlete whose life was cut short, we are establishing the Tyre Sampson Scholarship Fund for Inner-City incoming College Freshmen.
On behalf of everyone at the Frank Clark Family Foundation, I would like to offer our sincerest sympathies.
Frank Clark and Frank Clark Family Foundation.”
Learn more about Frank Clark’s foundation and its work here.
