Family's Attorneys Assert Disability Not a Factor in Universal Orlando Roller Coaster Fatality
Attorneys for Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family state his death resulted from blunt force trauma during the ride, unrelated to his spinal disability.
Attorneys representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe theme park, assert that his death was due to blunt force trauma sustained during the ride, unrelated to his congenital spinal disability.
Zavala, who used a wheelchair, became unresponsive during the ride and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled it an accident.
Attorney Natalie Jackson stated that witnesses reported Zavala likely struck his head on a restraint during the coaster's downward thrusts, rendering him unconscious for most of the ride. She emphasized, "His disability did not kill him. It was the blunt force trauma."
Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin informed employees that internal findings indicated the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact, and proper procedures were followed. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' preliminary findings align with Universal's assessment.
The Stardust Racers roller coaster remains closed as Universal conducts a comprehensive review with the ride's manufacturer. The ride, a dual-launch coaster reaching speeds up to 62 mph, is part of the recently opened Epic Universe theme park.