What was meant to be a landmark moment for Universal Orlando Resort has instead become a deeply painful chapter in Epic Universe’s early history. The new theme park has been billed as a bold leap forward, filled with cutting-edge rides designed to thrill and inspire. But for one family, a visit to Epic Universe ended in tragedy, turning celebration into grief and raising questions that still linger.
On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers, a high-speed roller coaster positioned as one of the park’s signature attractions. Emergency crews responded, but Zavala later passed away. While Universal quickly stated that the ride operated as intended, many details about what happened during the experience itself have not been shared publicly.
The medical examiner later determined that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. How those injuries occurred has not been explained, leaving a gap between official statements and public understanding. That gap has fueled ongoing concern, especially as more information has trickled out over time rather than being presented clearly from the start.
One of the most significant developments came after it was discovered that Universal adjusted the language of an official injury report. An earlier version referenced pre-existing conditions, but that wording was later removed and replaced with a single classification: fatality. The revision followed communication with state officials, and Universal submitted the updated report within about a day of the original filing.
Zavala was born with spinal muscular atrophy and used a wheelchair. His family’s legal representatives have pushed back strongly against any implication that his disability caused or contributed to his death. According to them, the attraction’s warning signs did not clearly explain who should avoid the ride, nor did they specify any requirement related to mobility devices or independent walking ability.
In the weeks after the tragedy, Universal quietly updated its accessibility guidelines. The revised language now states that guests using mobility devices must be able to walk independently to ride Stardust Racers and select other attractions. While companies frequently adjust policies, the timing raised difficult questions about why those requirements were not clearly emphasized beforehand.
Universal later invited state inspectors to observe testing and evaluations of Stardust Racers. Those inspectors reportedly agreed with Universal’s internal assessment that the ride functioned properly. However, no detailed records were kept, which has left some observers frustrated by the lack of documentation.
As of now, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the medical examiner have not released investigative records due to an active criminal investigation. Until that process concludes, many questions may remain unanswered.
Epic Universe will continue to welcome guests, but this incident has altered its story in a way that can’t be undone. For Zavala’s family, the focus isn’t on branding or ride mechanics—it’s on accountability, transparency, and understanding how a day at a theme park ended in heartbreak.
