A new report has raised serious questions about the state’s documentation practices following the death of a guest on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe. According to News 6 Orlando, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) says it has “no records” connected to the inquiry conducted after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died on September 17. The medical examiner determined Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries” and ruled his death an accident.
Missing Documentation From State Inquiry
News 6 Orlando submitted a public records request for “documents, notes, photos, videos, and emails generated by the state ride inspectors” during the examination of Stardust Racers. FDACS responded that “There are no responsive records,” despite sending an inspector to Universal Epic Universe the morning after the incident.
Zavala, who lived with spinal atrophy and used a wheelchair, was described by his family as a “theme park enthusiast” who had ridden many roller coasters in the past. Witnesses reported that he lost consciousness while riding Stardust Racers. His family has retained attorney Benjamin Crump, who said they believe Zavala’s disability played no role in his death.
Crump also accused Universal Orlando Resort of failing to self-report other safety incidents on the new coaster. On October 3—one day before park officials reopened Stardust Racers—Crump urged Universal to keep the ride closed:
“Stardust Racers is evidence in an active death investigation. Reopening the ride before our experts can examine every component is unadulterated spoliation of evidence, a grave risk to public safety, and puts profit over people’s lives. Universal reportedly told employees the ride functioned as intended. If that is accurate, then the design itself is deadly. We are demanding that Universal pause the reopening, preserve all evidence, and allow our experts to inspect it. If they refuse, we will address Universal’s callous actions in court.”
FDACS Findings and Lack of Records
Five days after Zavala’s death, FDACS publicly stated that it agreed with Universal Orlando Resort’s internal conclusion that the ride “functioned as intended.” FDACS spokesperson Wilton Simpson said:
“The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information.”
What remains unclear is how the agency arrived at that determination without producing any written reports, inspection notes, photographs, or videos to support it. FDACS typically documents its investigations into amusement ride accidents at smaller parks and traveling fairs across Florida.
Major theme parks, including Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, are exempt from FDACS oversight as long as they employ at least 1,000 workers and conduct their own inspections. However, they must still file ride investigation affidavits and required injury and fatality reports with the state.
Even without jurisdiction, Universal Orlando Resort invited FDACS officials to review Stardust Racers after the incident. Veteran inspector Mark Gonzalez, who previously worked on the Orlando Free Fall investigation, arrived at Epic Universe at 9:45 a.m. on September 18. He reportedly spent approximately 15 hours examining the coaster over a period of four days. According to FDACS, Gonzalez produced “no reports” summarizing his assessment.
Ongoing Law Enforcement Investigation
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) is still conducting its investigation into Zavala’s death. Detectives asked the medical examiner to withhold the autopsy report until they determine whether negligence may have contributed to the incident.
“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,” an OCSO spokesperson said in September. “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.”
Policy Adjustments at Universal Orlando Resort
Stardust Racers reopened on October 4, 2025, but only after Universal Orlando Resort updated several coaster-related policies. Guests with disabilities must now “walk independently” the short distance from their mobility device to many ride vehicles. This differs from earlier procedures, which allowed assisted transfers from a mobility device.
Universal Epic Universe also revised the safety warning for guests with health concerns. Previously, the guideline said guests with “back, neck or similar conditions” were “not allowed” to ride Stardust Racers. The updated instruction now reads: “Do not ride.”
What do you think about this new information regarding the tragic death on Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
