ORLANDO, Fla. – A 21-year-old man fell to his death Monday morning while conducting a daily safety check on the StarFlyer attraction in Orlando tourist’s district, deputies said.
The fatal accident was reported around 7:40 a.m. at ICON Park on International Drive.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the man, who was later identified as Jacob David Kaminsky, was climbing the tower when he fell to the bottom platform.
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Orange County Fire Rescue said Kaminsky was about halfway up the 450-foot ride, dubbed the world’s tallest swing ride, when he fell onto the platform.
Ena Hillsman and her family from Augusta, Georgia were vacationing this week to Orlando. She planned to bring her son to ride the StarFlyer swing ride at Icon Park before learning about the tragedy.
“I pray the family finds some kind of comfort in the situation,” said Hillsman.
Ride officials said they’re cooperating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and deputies in the investigation. They said their hearts and prayers go out to Kaminsky’s family and his coworkers.
“It’s a shock and we’re saddened by it. Anytime there is an injury or something of this nature, it’s extremely sad,” said John Stine, Director of Marketing and Sales for the StarFlyer.
Safety inspection records from the Florida Department of Agriculture show there is not a history of prior violations although officials said there was a 2018 communication deficiency involving a seat release which was later corrected.
The 450-foot ride is closed until further notice.