Man Dies After Accident on stardust Racers Roller Coaster at Worldwide’s Epic Universe
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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has ruled the death of a Kissimmee man following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries, closing the case as of December 11, 2025. The incident, which occurred on September 17, has prompted a thorough examination and raised questions about theme park safety protocols.
the Incident and Initial Response
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers coaster late in the evening and pronounced dead at Orlando regional Medical Center. Rodriguez zavala was a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, and lived with spinal cord atrophy, utilizing a wheelchair. Despite his physical challenges, family members described him as an independent and vibrant individual. During a press conference on September 22, his father, Carlos Rodriguez, spoke of his son’s accomplishments, including obtaining a driver’s license and a college degree. His mother, Ana Zavala, emphasized that she never limited her son, recognizing his passion for Florida’s theme parks. His siblings, Lisa and Michael, remembered him as a wise and loving brother.
What Happened on the Stardust Racers Coaster?
According to statements gathered by investigators, rodriguez Zavala visited the park and boarded the Stardust Racers roller coaster. A Universal team captain,Dustin Benton,stated that employees assisted Zavala with a “lateral transfer” and confirmed he met all safety restrictions and ABLE procedures.Another employee who secured Zavala’s lap bar reported following all procedures and visually rechecking the restraint before the ride’s launch.
However, upon the coaster’s return to the station, Zavala was found unconscious. His girlfriend,Javiliz Cruz-Robles,reportedly screamed for help. First responders described a harrowing scene, with one stating Zavala was “stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of the seat, with legs inverted.” A significant amount of blood and a single Nike shoe were observed near the seat. Cruz-Robles, in a statement transcribed by a hospital nurse, recalled a Universal employee repeatedly pushing down on Zavala’s lap restraint before the ride began and witnessing him hit his head on the seat multiple times. It took ten minutes to remove Zavala from the ride.
Investigation Findings and Ride Reopening
Investigations by both Universal and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services concluded that the Stardust Racers ride functioned correctly. Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal orlando Resort, confirmed in an internal letter on September 24 that ride systems were intact and operating as intended, and that team members followed proper procedures. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services corroborated these findings.
Despite the lack of mechanical failure, the family of Rodriguez Zavala retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Crump’s team sought “full clarity” from Universal,emphasizing that the absence of a malfunction did not preclude potential safety concerns. As of October 6, the family had not filed a lawsuit, but Crump indicated they would explore all legal options and request video footage of the incident.
Universal Orlando reopened Stardust Racers on October 4, just over two weeks after the tragedy. Irwin stated in a letter to team members that the reopening followed a comprehensive review and that the park was “updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.”
Case Closed, Questions Remain
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released its final incident report on December 11, officially closing the case. While the investigation determined the death was accidental, the details revealed in the report – including the graphic descriptions of Zavala’s injuries and his girlfriend’s account – underscore the tragic nature of the event and the ongoing pursuit of answers by his family.
