A fast-paced roller coaster at Florida’s Epic Universe was back in action Saturday afternoon, just over two weeks after a tragic incident where a man died from severe blunt force trauma while enjoying the ride with his partner.
Stardust Racers returned to service with updated safety measures and reportedly prompted a nearly three-hour wait after it closed following the incident involving 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was discovered unresponsive in the front seat of the coaster on September 17.
Before the reopening of the ride, the Orlando theme park revised its operational protocols and signage to heighten safety alerts and clarify eligibility requirements for riders, as noted by Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, in a memo to staff on Friday.
An extensive evaluation concluded the coaster was functioning correctly when Zavala passed away, with updates stating the attraction reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and ascends 133 feet.
Zavala, who had spinal cord atrophy and utilized a wheelchair, sustained multiple blunt force injuries after his ride experience, as reported by a medical examiner.
Witnesses recalled the dreadful sight of a bloodied Zavala during the ride, as reported by his grieving family, who has since engaged civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, Florida Today noted.
Crump stated the family feels Universal Orlando overlooked significant safety concerns related to the ride and remarked that staff appeared ill-prepared to manage the crisis.
According to his investigative team, Zavala reportedly endured multiple head impacts and lacerations while largely unconscious throughout the ride.
Irwin consistently assured staff that the ride was operating properly during the incident, with all equipment deemed operational and protocols adhered to, as conveyed in her memo.
She also mentioned that a comprehensive review of the coaster, conducted by park officials, the ride manufacturer, and an independent coaster specialist, supported Universal’s original findings.
With contributions from Post wires.
