ORLANDO, Fla. — A tragic incident at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park has raised serious concerns about the safety of its attractions after the death of a 32-year-old man. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust roller coaster on September 17. His passing has sparked investigations and public outcry over the ride’s safety protocols.
The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Zavala’s death as accidental, attributing it to multiple blunt force injuries. He was reported to have spinal cord atrophy, which required the use of a wheelchair. In the days following the incident, Universal Orlando stated that their investigations confirmed the roller coaster was operating normally, and staff adhered to required safety procedures. Additional assessments from state investigators supported this conclusion, affirming that the ride and its restraints were functioning correctly.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken on Zavala’s case, representing his family as they seek answers. Crump announced at a press conference on September 30 that numerous riders had come forward with experiences of injuries on the Stardust, including head trauma and issues with the restraints. He deemed the occurrences “not isolated” and emphasized that they were “entirely preventable,” indicating a potential pattern of safety concerns.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, paramedics found Zavala still secured in his seat, undergoing CPR administered by Universal’s paramedics. This detail was revealed in an incident report from the Orange County Fire Department, which noted that the emergency medical services arrived on the scene shortly after Zavala lost consciousness.
Following the accident, the Stardust Racers ride was placed on an extended delay as officials continued their investigation, which is being conducted under Florida’s manslaughter statute. This statute addresses all non-natural deaths, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation.
As part of the investigation, Zavala’s family has requested access to ride footage to better understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. They have also urged for a thorough inspection of the ride before it reopens to the public, raising significant questions about the safety of amusement attractions.
On October 3, Universal Orlando announced that the Stardust Racers would reopen the following day, despite ongoing concerns and the families’ requests. This quick resumption of operations has prompted further discussions regarding the adequacy of safety protocols in large amusement parks, particularly those that have the ability to self-inspect, such as Universal.
As investigations continue, the implications of Zavala’s death highlight the critical importance of ride safety and the need for comprehensive oversight in the amusement park industry. The case remains under scrutiny as families grappling with grief also push for vital changes to ensure the safety of all park guests.