KXAN Investigates -- E53: Florida teen’s death prompts attorneys demand to stop Austin thrill ride (Mar. 28, 2026) episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 28, 2026 · 11 MIN

KXAN Investigates -- E53: Florida teen’s death prompts attorneys demand to stop Austin thrill ride (Mar. 28, 2026)

from KXAN Investigates · host KXAN News

A family is fighting to hold a foreign ride maker accountable for the death of their 14-year-old son. Four years ago this week, Tyre Sampson fell to his death while riding a drop tower at an amusement park in Orlando.  A KXAN investigation found the same foreign company that manufactured the Orlando ride is producing a new drop tower at COTALAND in Austin — despite the manufacturer being found negligent in the teen’s death. This week, on “Inside the Investigation,” Investigative Reporter Matt Grant explains how COTALAND says its drop tower will be significantly different and safer than the Orlando ride and the complex nature of holding a private foreign company legally accountable.

A family is fighting to hold a foreign ride maker accountable for the death of their 14-year-old son. Four years ago this week, Tyre Sampson fell to his death while riding a drop tower at an amusement park in Orlando.  A KXAN investigation found the same foreign company that manufactured the Orlando ride is producing a new drop tower at COTALAND in Austin — despite the manufacturer being found negligent in the teen’s death. This week, on “Inside the Investigation,” Investigative Reporter Matt Grant explains how COTALAND says its drop tower will be significantly different and safer than the Orlando ride and the complex nature of holding a private foreign company legally accountable.

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KXAN Investigates -- E53: Florida teen’s death prompts attorneys demand to stop Austin thrill ride (Mar. 28, 2026)

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This episode was published on March 28, 2026.

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A family is fighting to hold a foreign ride maker accountable for the death of their 14-year-old son. Four years ago this week, Tyre Sampson fell to his death while riding a drop tower at an amusement park in Orlando.  A KXAN investigation found the...

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