The Latest Breaking News from Orlando

ICON Park Free Fall victim had been turned away from other rides, cousin says

ORLANDO, Fla. — When Shay Johnson last spoke with her cousin Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old killed after falling from a drop tower at ICON Park last Thursday, he was about to board the ride after he was turned away from other nearby attractions because of his size, Johnson said.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 29, 2022

DeSantis vetoes congressional maps, calls for special session of the Florida Legislature

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the GOP Legislature’s congressional maps Tuesday, making good his threats to reject the plan because it does not eliminate a Black district in North Florida.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 29, 2022

Christian Pulisic Embraces His Status, Readiness to Become USMNT’s Leader

At times, being the U.S.’s go-to guy and most scrutinized star has appeared to be a burden, but with World Cup qualification within reach, Pulisic has risen to the occasion.

Sports Illustrated · Mar 29, 2022

Petition started to permanently close fatal Orlando free-fall ride after teen’s death

Tyre Sampson, 14, died after falling from the ride halfway through its 430ft descent

The Independent UK · Mar 28, 2022

Dollywood free-fall ride closes out of ‘abundance of caution’ after deadly accident at Orlando theme park

Dollywood closed their Drop Line attraction because the drop tower ride was developed by the same manufacturer as the Orlando ride

The Independent UK · Mar 28, 2022

Kennedy Space Center offers virtual sessions about space exploration

ORLANDO, Fla. — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering new virtual sessions as part of its KSC Club Discovery program next month. They are designed to help children — specifically those in third grade through sixth grade — understand space exploration and interplanetary travel.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 28, 2022

Disney Cruise Line reveals details on new Disney Wish theatrical shows

ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line gave a glimpse of what passengers can expect to see on stage from its two new Broadway-style productions coming to Disney Wish when it debuts at Port Canaveral this summer.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 28, 2022

U.S. men's soccer team eager to forge new path on cusp of World Cup berth

ORLANDO, Fla. — In the last World Cup qualifying cycle five years ago, the U.S. went into its penultimate game, in Orlando, needing a win over Panama to all but ensure a spot in the tournament.

Los Angeles Times · Mar 27, 2022

Attorneys Ben Crump, Bob Hilliard to represent family of boy who fell off ICON park ride

ORLANDO, Fla. — The family of the 14-year-old boy who fell to his death while on the Orlando Free Fall ride at ICON Park late Thursday will be represented by civil rights lawyer Ben Crump and personal injury attorney Bob Hilliard, according to a press release.

Orlando Sentinel · Mar 26, 2022

Did teen's big size factor in Florida amusement ride death?

A rising middle school football player in Missouri, only 14 but already 6 feet, 5 inches tall and well over 300 pounds, Tyre Sampson fell to his death from a towering Florida amusement ride

The Independent UK · Mar 26, 2022