On Sept. 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found to be unresponsive after riding The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe. His injuries were said to be consistent with blunt impact trauma. An Orlando medical examiner ruled the death an accident after performing an autopsy. Their statement, however, did not reveal any specific details about the injuries.
Upon being found, he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Later reports revealed that he had a preexisting spinal injury and was using a wheelchair and taking medication beforehand.
Dennis Speigel, CEO and founder of consulting firm International Theme Park Services, commented that the autopsy’s conclusion was “pretty shocking” and claimed it raised more questions than it answered.
“Was it the head or the chest? Was he banging around? Was he in his seat properly?” Speigel said. “Was it an accident caused by the ride or him doing something?” The medical examiner’s office did not reply to the email seeking details on the injuries.
The attraction currently remains closed, and Universal is working with Orange County in an ongoing investigation. The Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson said in a statement that “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” before adding that they could not comment any further due to the ongoing investigation. Karen Irwin, Universal Orlando Resort’s president, noted that the rollercoaster was working as intended, all equipment was intact, and Universal workers followed proper procedures.
Epic Universe was opened in May of this year, making it the first major, traditional theme park to be opened in Florida since 1999. Since Epic Universe opened, there have been three other reports prior to this situation, all concerning harm done by roller coasters.
A 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and “an altered state of consciousness.” A 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition experienced a “visual disturbance” and numbness after going on Stardust Racers. And a 32-year-old man who experienced chest pain after going on the Hiccup’s Wing Gliders ride, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. However, this has been the largest incident yet, with none of the other reports having lethal effects.
