Tragedy Strikes Epic Universe: Guest Dies After Incident on Stardust Racers Coaster
A Day of Fun Ends in Heartbreak
ORLANDO, Fla. – A visit to Universal Orlando Resort’s newest park, Epic Universe, ended in tragedy on a recent Wednesday when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died. Emergency workers, initially alerted to reports of lacerations, arrived at the ride to find Zavala not breathing, a grim detail revealed in radio traffic and an Orange County Sheriff’s Office report released on Friday.
Details of the Victim and Incident
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a Kissimmee, Florida resident, was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital, despite efforts by Orange County firefighters and Universal emergency personnel to revive him on a platform adjacent to the coaster. His longtime girlfriend, who accompanied him on the fateful ride, informed deputies that Zavala lived with a preexisting spinal condition and used a wheelchair, necessitating regular medication.
Medical Examiner’s Findings
Following an autopsy, Joshua Stephany, the medical examiner for the Orlando area, determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled the manner of death an accident. The medical examiner’s statement on Thursday did not disclose specific details or locations of these injuries.
A Family’s Tribute
In a heartfelt online tribute, Zavala’s family described him as “one of a kind,” highlighting his quiet resilience. “Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit,” his family shared. “He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.”
About the Stardust Racers Coaster
The Stardust Racers, a prominent attraction within the recently opened Epic Universe park, made its debut to the public in May. The ride is promoted on the resort’s website as “a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph).” Notably, Universal Orlando Resort’s safety guide indicates that Stardust Racers was designed with accessibility in mind, accommodating guests who need to transfer from wheelchairs to the ride vehicle. However, it also mandates that riders pass through metal detectors to prevent loose items and requires the removal of prosthetic limbs before boarding.
Eyewitness Account
An eyewitness, Maria Fernandez, who claimed to be on the same roller coaster, recounted to Orlando television station WKMG that Zavala appeared to be slumped over and bleeding when the ride came to a halt.
Investigation Underway Amid Unique State Regulations
Florida’s regulatory landscape for theme parks is unique; the state’s largest theme park operators, including Walt Disney World and Universal, are exempt from state safety inspections. Instead, these mega-parks conduct their own comprehensive inspections and adhere to proprietary safety protocols. However, they are legally obligated to report any injuries or deaths to the state authorities. In response to the incident, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed on Friday that it had dispatched an investigator to Epic Universe. Aaron Keller, the department’s communications director, stated via email that “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.” Universal Orlando Resort has also affirmed its full cooperation with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigation.
