Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park was meant to dazzle guests with record-breaking rides and immersive lands. But just days after its debut, the spotlight shifted from celebration to tragedy. An incident on one of its newest roller coasters has now led to legal scrutiny, calls for transparency, and questions about safety inside the park.
For fans eager to explore Epic Universe, the promise of cutting-edge attractions has been part of its draw. Yet the sudden death of a guest while riding one of its headline coasters has turned the park into the focus of a manslaughter investigation, sparking difficult conversations about theme park safety and responsibility.
Related: Epic Universe Death Investigation Update: Fans React to Tragic News
On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala visited the new park, entering Celestial Park to experience Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster reaching 133 feet and speeds up to 62 miles per hour.
During the ride, Zavala lost consciousness. Emergency crews responded immediately, but despite efforts to save him, he was later pronounced dead. A medical examiner confirmed he had suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” after losing consciousness on the attraction.
Zavala’s girlfriend later shared that he had previously suffered a spinal injury and was on medication, though whether these contributed to the incident remains unknown.
Related: Universal Quietly Testing Stardust Racers After Tragic Guest Death, Video Shows
In response, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services opened an investigation, with Universal pledging cooperation. Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin addressed staff directly, noting that the ride was operating normally at the time and when the train returned to the station. She praised employees for their professionalism and urged them to seek help if they were struggling with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Even with the examiner calling the death accidental, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the case is being investigated under Florida’s “manslaughter” statute.
Related: Universal Introducing Modified Seating to Popular Epic Universe Ride
An OCSO spokesperson 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.
At the same time, Zavala’s family has taken legal steps of its own, hiring attorney Ben Crump. Known for representing the family of Tyre Sampson—the teenager who died after falling from Orlando’s FreeFall tower in 2022—Crump has already demanded transparency.
He stated, “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.”
Reports confirm that Crump is seeking Universal’s inspection logs, maintenance records, operational data, and footage from the day of the incident.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been created to help Zavala’s family during this devastating time.
The circumstances have left many questioning whether theme park safety protocols go far enough. Universal’s own safety guide warns that guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions should not ride Stardust Racers, but critics argue that warning signs may not be enough.
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!
