Florida FreeFall teen death: Operator error to blame, ride safety expert says
Fox News
An operations manual released for the Orlando amusement park ride a teenager fell to his death from shows the boy exceeded the attraction's weight limits.
"Not to ask him to step off or at least get him properly restrained was, it's unforgivable. I can't understand it," Kitchen said.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released documents Monday related to its initial investigation, which included the operations manual and previous inspections. Pages 57 and 58 of the 176-page manual discuss rider limitations and restrictions, according to FOX 35 Orlando."Be careful when seeing if large guests fit into the seats. Check that they fit within the contours of the seat and the bracket fits properly. If this is not so - Do not let this person ride," the manual reads (the bolded line is bolded in the manual).The manual addresses small riders as well, although the concern is ensuring the rider cannot slide out of the seat. A minimum height requirement is given at approximately 4 feet, but a minimum weight restriction is not listed. The maximum weight restriction is roughly 286 pounds. Sampson was 6-foot-5 and weighed 340 pounds, according to his dad, Yarnell Sampson.
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