Accidental Death Ruled in Global’s epic Universe Roller Coaster Incident
A Florida sheriff’s office has persistent the death of a 32-year-old man on a high-speed roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park was accidental, following a complete investigation.The incident, wich occurred on September 17th, has prompted renewed scrutiny of amusement park safety protocols.
The Orange County medical examiner concluded that Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died consequently of blunt-impact trauma. A report released Friday detailed the extent of his injuries, which included a deep cut to the forehead, a fractured bone ridge above the eye, and bleeding above the skull. Further examination revealed bruises on his arms and abdomen, a broken nose, and a fractured right thigh bone.
Investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office found no evidence of negligence on the part of Epic Universe employees, confirming that all established safety procedures were followed. The park, Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, opened in May and features the roller coaster in question, a dual-launch design capable of reaching speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h).
According to the sheriff’s report, security footage showed Zavala appearing “engaged and well” at the start of the ride. Though, upon its conclusion, he was found slumped and unresponsive. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with one physician, waiting in line, telling investigators that Zavala appeared “slouched over and surrounded by blood” as the coaster returned to the platform. She noted that his arm was dangling and his thigh bone “was broken in half and resting on the back of the ride chair.”
Zavala, who used a wheelchair, received immediate assistance from the physician and others. his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, revealed that he had undergone prior spinal surgery and had metal rods in his back to support his spine. Family members emphasized that his pre-existing condition, spinal cord atrophy, did not contribute to his death.
The incident involved a delay in releasing Zavala from the ride’s restraints. Universal paramedic Sebastian torres stated that the lap bar remained locked for approximately ten minutes after the ride halted. Cruz-robles also recounted that a ride operator had to repeatedly force the lap bar down, and that it felt excessively tight. She described Zavala being thrown forward during the initial descent, striking his head on a metal bar, and continuing to hit his head throughout the ride despite her attempts to restrain him.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that warning signs at the ride entrance advised guests about potential risks, including sudden drops and accelerations. These signs also cautioned against riding if individuals had “back, neck or similar physical conditions,” or recent surgeries that could be aggravated by the ride. Zavala’s family disclosed that he had previously fractured his thigh bone in 2020, requiring surgery, and underwent hip surgery following a dislocation in 2010.
This tragic event follows a similar incident in December, where a jury awarded $310 million to the family of a 14-year-old boy who died after being thrown from a free-fall ride at Orlando’s Icon Park in March 2022. That case led to the passage of the Tire Sampson Act in Florida, designed to strengthen safety regul
