Guest’s Death on Ride Prompts Criminal Investigation and Legal Moves at Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park has only recently opened its doors, but it has already been thrown into the spotlight for a tragic reason. Epic Universe was designed to usher in a new era of attractions and immersive experiences, yet in the middle of celebration, one incident has forced investigators, lawyers, and grieving family members to step forward.
For many theme park fans, rides represent adventure, thrills, and memories with loved ones. But when tragedy strikes, those same attractions come under intense scrutiny. That is exactly what has happened at Universal’s ambitious new destination, where one fatal event could change the way the park’s operate their more intense rides.
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On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala visited Epic Universe and entered Celestial Park to board Stardust Racers, a new dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds of 62 miles per hour and climbs 133 feet.
Tragically, Zavala lost consciousness during the ride. When the coaster stopped, emergency responders rushed him to the hospital, but he was later pronounced dead. According to the medical examiner, Zavala suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” after losing consciousness.
Details soon emerged that Zavala had a prior spinal injury and was taking medication at the time, though it remains unclear whether those factors played a role in his death.
Related: Tragic Death Prompts Epic Universe to Shut Down Roller Coaster
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services quickly launched an investigation, and Universal confirmed it was cooperating. Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin also addressed employees directly, stating that the ride had been operating normally when Zavala boarded and when the train returned to the station.
She expressed gratitude to team members for their professionalism and encouraged anyone struggling with the aftermath to seek help.
Despite the examiner’s ruling that the death was an accident, the situation did not end there. Reports revealed that the Orange County Sheriff’s Office opened a case under Florida’s “manslaughter” statute.
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A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office explained:
This is a death investigation. In cases which appear at first glance to be accidental deaths – which this case does – detectives must determine whether there is any negligence, whether criminal or non-criminal. Manslaughter is just the name of the catch-all statute covering deaths that are not natural. Through their investigation, detectives attempt to figure out IF there is any culpable negligence or a crime that occurred. And to accomplish this, we must let detectives follow the evidence and conduct a full and thorough investigation.
Related: Epic Universe Guests Will Face a Big Change, Universal Confirms
Meanwhile, the Zavala family retained attorney Ben Crump, known for representing high-profile cases including the family of Tyre Sampson, the teenager who died in 2022 after falling from Orlando’s FreeFall drop tower at ICON Park.
Crump called for transparency, stating:
This tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency. A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account and fight to ensure that all media inquiries be directed to Ben Crump Law’s office.
As part of his efforts, Crump has reportedly requested that Universal release ride inspection records, maintenance logs, operational data, and video footage from the day of the incident.
In the wake of Zavala’s passing, supporters created a GoFundMe campaign to assist his family during this difficult time.
Do you think that theme parks like Epic Universe need to be stricter about the people who ride their attractions? Instead of just warnings, do you think they should not let certain guests ride? Do you think that attractions like Stardust Racers are too intense and should be tamed down? Share your thoughts on this tragic event with us in the comments.
