US EditionState inspectors align with Universal’s findings that roller coaster was working right when man died
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who used a wheelchair due to a spinal condition but lived independently, was found unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers attraction at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park on September 17, 2025, and later died from injuries sustained during the ride.
- The incident prompted an investigation because Zavala, who had no medical restrictions preventing him from riding, suffered multiple blunt force injuries while unconscious during the ride, which was ruled an accident.
- Represented by civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, Zavala's family strongly rejected claims that his spinal disability contributed to his fatal accident, insisting that the cause lay with the ride's safety rather than his medical condition.
- Legal and family representatives called for a transparent, comprehensive investigation involving restraint and disability experts, with the ride remaining closed pending review, while Universal stated ride systems functioned as intended.
- The family held a funeral on September 26, and set up a GoFundMe that raised over $27,000 to honor Zavala's life and seek safety improvements to prevent future tragedies.
99 Articles
99 Articles
'His disability did not kill him': Attorneys, family of man who died at Epic Universe push for video, examination of ride
ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) – The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the theme-park visitor who died after riding the roller coaster at Florida's Epic Universe earlier this month, is seeking answers. Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers coaster on Sept. 17. He later died at a hospital after suffering what the Orange County Medical Examiner confirmed to be multiple blunt force injuries. The manner of death was als…
Family Speaks Out After Man Dies Riding Roller Coaster
A civil rights attorney, representing the family of a man who died on the Epic Universe Stardust Racers roller coaster, has spoken about the situation. According to the family, they are conducting an independent investigation into the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. He lost his life after riding a roller coaster. As it pulled into the station, he was found unconscious. He showed multiple signs of blunt trauma and needed to be carefu…
Kevin Rodríguez Zavala's parents demanded a "transparent and complete" investigation and explanations.
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