Family of Man Who Died on Universal Roller Coaster Seeks Answers

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala passed away due to multiple blunt impact injuries, officials confirmed.

Zavala, a 32-year-old man, died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park in Florida on September 17. He became unresponsive during the ride and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The local medical examiner ruled his death as accidental, caused by multiple blunt impact injuries.

Zavala's family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to conduct an independent investigation into the incident. They seek answers and want to determine if preventive measures could have been taken. Zavala, who had a spinal cord atrophy condition, was described by his family as a roller coaster enthusiast and a game design graduate who worked as a job coach at their family business.

His family remembered him as an independent and loving individual who enjoyed theme parks and roller coasters. Zavala's last day at the park was described as a happy one by his mother, who emphasized that he lived without limitations despite his condition.

Attorneys representing Zavala's family plan to involve various experts in their investigation, focusing on aspects such as ride design, operations, and restraints. Universal Orlando Resort confirmed that the ride systems were functioning as intended during the incident and that park employees followed proper procedures.

Authorities are conducting separate investigations into the incident, with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office involved. The roller coaster remains closed as investigations continue, with Universal Orlando Resort expressing condolences to Zavala's family and pledging full cooperation with the ongoing inquiries.