When Epic Universe welcomed guests in late May, Universal Orlando Resort marked a major milestone with the debut of its newest theme park. By early fall, however, attention shifted from new attractions to a tragedy that led to state investigations, a law enforcement review, and months of legal scrutiny centered on one of the park’s signature roller coasters.
On September 17, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, boarded Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster designed to reach heights of 133 feet and speeds above 60 miles per hour. Authorities later reported that Zavala lost consciousness during the ride. Emergency responders were called once the attraction returned to the station, and Zavala was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Orange County Medical Examiner determined that Zavala suffered multiple blunt impact injuries after blacking out while the coaster was in motion. In a sworn statement, Zavala’s girlfriend shared that he had previously sustained a spinal injury and was taking medication on the day of their visit. Officials did not state whether those factors were contributory.
Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin addressed employees shortly after the incident, stating that Stardust Racers was operating “as intended.” The attraction, like many high-speed rides, displays warnings advising guests with back, neck, or other medical conditions not to ride.
Even so, authorities proceeded with a full review. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services opened an investigation into the ride, while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office launched a manslaughter investigation, which is standard protocol for deaths considered non-natural. Investigators examined whether negligence or operational issues played a role.
The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who publicly called on Universal to release operational data, maintenance logs, inspection records, and video footage tied to the incident. “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.
During a press conference on September 30, Crump referenced a prior out-of-court settlement involving Stardust Racers and another guest who reported injuries. Crump questioned whether those earlier claims prompted any corrective action before Zavala’s death.
“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 relayed the previous guest’s warning: “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.”
Investigative documents later released included Zavala’s girlfriend’s account of the ride experience. She stated that a team member “pushed down on [his] restraint multiple times” before dispatch. Once the coaster launched, she recalled fragmented moments, including seeing Zavala hit his head several times during the ride.
According to CNN, the medical examiner’s report described a deep gash on Zavala’s forehead, a fractured bony ridge above the eye, bleeding above the skull, bruising to his abdomen and arms, and fractures to his nose and right thigh bone. Deputies noted that when they followed up with Zavala’s girlfriend, she was “crying and suffering panic attacks” and could not complete a written statement.
After months of review, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner concluded that Zavala’s death was accidental. Their findings ruled out criminal activity, and WESH 2 News confirmed the case has been closed.
Universal stated it cooperated fully throughout the investigations. Following their conclusion, a Universal spokesperson said via Click Orlando, “This matter has been amicably resolved. The family has asked for privacy at this time.” Ben Crump Law issued a similar statement on December 13, confirming a confidential resolution.
While the official investigation has ended, the incident continues to prompt discussion within the theme park industry about attraction design, restraint systems, health warnings, and how safety guidance is communicated to guests on high-thrill rides.
