New information has come to light regarding the tragic death of a man who lost consciousness while experiencing the Stardust Racers ride at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, based on various reports.
The individual, identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, had a prior spinal injury and required a wheelchair prior to boarding the rollercoaster on Wednesday, per an incident report acquired by WFTV9.
Zavala’s family has enlisted the help of civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has stated that he suffered from “multiple blunt force injuries” while enjoying the popular amusement park ride.
A medical examiner classified his death as an accident resulting from blunt force trauma on Thursday; however, specifics regarding the locations of his injuries remain unclear.
He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was declared deceased.
According to a safety guide for the park, the Stardust Racers ride is designed to assist guests who need to transition from their wheelchairs to the ride vehicle.
Zavala’s family is now calling on the Orlando theme park to disclose maintenance logs, inspection reports, ride data, and video recordings to clarify the sequence of events that led to his death, as stated by Crump.
“This devastating loss requires a full investigation and complete transparency. A man died after riding an attraction that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible entities accountable and strive to ensure Kevin’s family gets the answers and justice they deserve,” the legal team proclaimed in a press release.
Karen Irwin, the President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, asserted that the ride was operating as intended and that all equipment was in good condition during the event, as referenced in an internal memo retrieved by Deadline.
“In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as challenging as this one,” Irwin expressed in her statement.
“The attraction will remain closed while we conduct a thorough review in partnership with the ride’s manufacturer. Safety is and will always be our top priority,” she added.
Zavala’s family has since started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses for their “cherished brother, son, uncle, and friend.”
“Kevin was truly exceptional. He possessed an old soul—wise beyond his years—with an abundance of compassion, love, and empathy,” the family shared in a statement.
“He was a person who always took time to listen, provide meaningful advice, and uplift others, even when he himself faced struggles,” the fundraising initiative detailed.
“In spite of the limitations and hurdles he faced throughout his life, Kevin approached them with grace, fortitude, and an indomitable spirit. He triumphed over so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.”
The GoFundMe has successfully raised over $26,000, greatly exceeding its initial goal of $8,000.
At the time this article was published, Universal Orlando had not responded to the Post’s request for comments.
