Man Dies After Riding Roller Coaster at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe

A 32-year-old man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala of Kissimmee, Florida, died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe park. Emergency responders found him unresponsive on the ride platform Wednesday evening; he was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Zavala's longtime girlfriend informed deputies that he had a preexisting spinal condition, used a wheelchair, and was on medication. An autopsy conducted by Joshua Stephany, the medical examiner for the Orlando area, determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt impact injuries, ruling it an accident.

The Stardust Racers roller coaster, which opened in May with the debut of the Epic Universe park, is described on the resort's website as "a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph)." According to a Universal Orlando Resort safety guide, the ride is designed to accommodate guests transferring from wheelchairs to the ride vehicle.

A Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson stated that the resort is cooperating with investigators at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has also sent an investigator to Epic Universe. Aaron Keller, the department's communications ... noted that Universal has been "extremely cooperative and has complied with all ... ."

Zavala's family described him as "one of a kind," highlighting his grace, strength, and unwavering spirit in overcoming life's challenges.