Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe opened in late May, drawing attention as the destination’s newest theme park and a major expansion of its Florida footprint. As guests continued to experience its slate of attractions through the summer, the park became the focus of a serious legal and regulatory process following the death of a guest on one of its headline rides. What followed was a months-long review involving local law enforcement, state regulators, and legal representatives for the guest’s family.
The incident occurred on September 17, when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala boarded Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster that reaches 133 feet in height and travels at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. According to authorities, Zavala lost consciousness while the attraction was in motion. When the coaster returned to the station, emergency personnel responded, and Zavala was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A subsequent examination by the medical examiner determined that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries sustained after he blacked out during the ride. Zavala’s girlfriend later told investigators that he had previously suffered a spinal injury and was taking medication at the time of their visit. Officials did not confirm whether those circumstances directly contributed to his death.
In the days following the incident, Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin addressed team members, stating that Stardust Racers had been operating “as intended.” As with many high-speed attractions, posted warnings at the ride advise guests with back, neck, or other medical conditions to refrain from riding.
Despite those advisories, the case was treated as a serious matter. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services opened an investigation into the attraction, while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office initiated a manslaughter investigation, a standard step in cases involving non-natural deaths. Detectives reviewed operational procedures to determine whether negligence or other contributing factors were involved.
Zavala’s family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who called publicly for Universal to release ride data, maintenance records, inspection reports, and any available video footage. “A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account … We will demand full transparency,” Crump said in a statement.
Crump, who also represented the family of Tyre Sampson following the 2022 Orlando FreeFall incident, referenced a previous out-of-court settlement involving Stardust Racers and another guest who reported injuries. During a press conference on September 30, Crump questioned how those earlier claims were handled.
“We believe that these were warning signs that there was something wrong with the design of this ride and that they tried to blame the victims,” Crump said via Click Orlando. He also cited the prior guest’s account, stating, “She told them that you all need to do something about this because someone is going to be seriously injured, or worse, they’re going to be killed.”
Investigators later released additional details, including a sworn statement from Zavala’s girlfriend. She told authorities that a Universal team member “pushed down on [his] restraint multiple times” before dispatch. Once the ride launched, she recalled only brief moments, including seeing Zavala strike his head several times while the coaster was moving.
CNN reported that the medical examiner’s report noted a deep gash on the left side of Zavala’s forehead, a fractured bony ridge above his eye, bleeding above the skull, bruising on the abdomen and arms, and fractures to his nose and right thigh bone. Deputies later described Zavala’s girlfriend as “crying and suffering panic attacks,” noting she was unable to complete her written statement.
As the investigation concluded, reports from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner ruled Zavala’s death accidental and found no criminal acts involved. According to WESH 2 News, the case has been officially closed.
Universal stated it cooperated fully with investigators. Following the conclusion, a Universal spokesperson told Click Orlando, “This matter has been amicably resolved. The family has asked for privacy at this time.” Ben Crump Law echoed that statement on December 13, confirming a confidential resolution.
While the legal process has ended, conversations within the theme park community continue, focusing on ride warnings, restraint systems, guest health considerations, and how safety information is communicated on high-thrill attractions.
