Death on Universal's Epic Universe Roller Coaster Ruled Accidental

A 32-year-old man died from blunt impact injuries after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida. The Orange County Sheriff's Office has ruled the death accidental and closed the investigation.

The medical examiner's report detailed that Kevin Rodriguez Zavala sustained a deep gash on his forehead, fractures to the bony ridge above his eye, nose, and right thigh bone, as well as internal bleeding and bruises on his abdomen and arms.

Security footage showed Zavala "engaged and well" at the ride's start but unresponsive and slouched over at the end. Witnesses reported he was bleeding from the face and slumped over when the ride concluded.

Zavala, who used a wheelchair and had metal rods in his back from previous spinal surgery, was accompanied by his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles. She informed investigators that during the ride's initial descent, Zavala flew forward and hit his head on the metal bar in front of them, continuing to hit his head multiple times throughout the ride. She attempted to hold him back but was unsuccessful.

The sheriff's report noted that ride operators followed procedures and were not negligent. Warning signs at the ride's entrance advised against riding for guests with certain conditions, including back or neck issues or recent surgeries.

Zavala's family stated that his spinal cord atrophy did not contribute to his death. The Stardust Racers roller coaster, which reaches speeds up to 62 mph, debuted in May when Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park opened to the public.