Mother Of Teen Who Fell From Ride Denies Family Ties To Woman Claiming To Be His Cousin

It’s hardly been a week since the fatal fall of a 14-year-old teen at an amusement park in Orlando. As previously reported, Tyre Sampson was visiting ICON Park with a football club when the incident occured. And while his family awaits answers from an investigation by Florida officials, Tyre’s mother recently had to address claims by a woman who is portraying herself to the media as his cousin.

She Did WHAT?

Apparently, a woman who identified herself as Shay Johnson weaved a story about the day Tyre passed. She claimed to be the teen’s cousin. Shay also claimed he spoke to her multiple times prior to the accident. This woman told media outlets Tyre told her ride operators rejected him from a few other attractions because of his size. She said he also informed her when someone cleared him to ride the ‘Orlando Free Fall.’

But, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Tyre’s mother shut down Shay’s narrative while speaking to Orange County detectives. Michelle Guido, a spokesperson from the county sheriff’s office confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that Tyre’s mother “does not know” Shay Johnson. Another outlet, WFTV 9 ABC, also confirmed with attorneys representing the teen’s family that “none of the family members know Johnson.”

No Crime, No Time

And the woman didn’t only give multiple interviews to the media claiming kinship, she also seemingly organized in his name. She’s reportedly organized news conferences, collected petition signatures and even led a vigil in front of the park ride, per WFTV 9 ABC.

Although the act seems bizarre, Michelle of the OCSO said detectives looked into Shay. Ultimately, detectives didn’t produce a report and Shay isn’t facing any arrest warrants. In Michelle’s words, “at this point, [detectives] have no evidence of a crime.” At this time, there’s no evidence to suggest Shay collected funds in the teen’s name.

Late Thursday night, WFTV 9 ABC spoke to Shay’s employer. Management at Flash Dancer’s Bar in Orlando confirmed to the outlet that Shay has been terminated.

There’s no additional information on Shay Johnson or her motivation for falsifying a familial relationship to the deceased teen.

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