Orlando, Florida — The family of a man who died after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort is now speaking out, asserting that the amusement park may have overlooked critical safety warnings. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, suffered fatal injuries on the Stardust Racers coaster on September 17, and his family has since received testimonies from other riders claiming to have experienced similar incidents.
Zavala, a wheelchair user with spinal cord atrophy, was reportedly in the front seat when he became unresponsive during the ride. Officials later confirmed that he died from blunt impact injuries. His family has expressed deep concern, noting that other riders have reached out, sharing their own experiences of injury on the attraction.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, stated during a recent press conference that these testimonies suggest that Zavala’s tragic case was not an isolated occurrence. Co-attorney Natalie Jackson added that their investigation revealed that Zavala experienced multiple head injuries throughout the ride and was mostly unconscious during the descent.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with Zavala slumped forward, blood evident, suggesting that park staff appeared unprepared to handle the emergency. Crump emphasized that Universal Orlando must take responsibility for the apparent safety oversights associated with the roller coaster.
Universal has acknowledged that it self-reported four incidents related to the Stardust Racers, each time attributing injuries to pre-existing conditions of the riders. However, this claim has not appeased Zavala’s family, who maintain that these events raise serious questions about the roller coaster’s safety protocols.
Furthermore, a woman who claims she was injured on the same ride earlier this year has come forward, alleging that she suffered a concussion and spinal injuries. The family has attempted to obtain video footage of the incident but has been denied access by the park.
Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, assured staff in an internal memo that the ride was functioning normally during the incident and that safety protocols were followed. Nevertheless, as the family seeks answers, the tragic incident raises broader concerns about amusement park safety for all riders, particularly those with existing health conditions.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that accelerates riders to speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and reaches heights of 133 feet. With excitement generated by such attractions, the need for stringent safety measures has never been more critical as families look forward to enjoying safe experiences at theme parks.