Credit: UniversalIt’s been just over one week since Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. The 32-year-old Zavala reportedly became unconscious while riding the dual-launch coaster, and despite attempts to revive him when the ride vehicle returned to the platform, Mr. Zavala was pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
According to the medical examiner’s report, Mr. Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Mr. Zavala was a wheelchair user who had a lifelong spinal issue and was reportedly taking medication at the time of his death, although we do not know what the medication was.
Related: Death at Epic Universe: Law Enforcement at Park, Witness Shares New Details
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a manslaughter investigation had been launched, which is what happens in the case of any death, even one that has been declared accidental. The OCSO said that it must be determined if there was any negligence, “whether criminal or non-criminal,” and that the term manslaughter is a catch-all term for any death that is “unnatural.”
Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin sent out a message to team members stating that the ride was functioning normally on the day Mr. Zavala died, and did not have any issues while he rode it.
Now, in the wake of Mr. Zavala’s death and increased scrutiny on intense rides like Stardust Racers, a Universal guest has filed a lawsuit for injuries they claimed to have suffered nearly five months ago.
Related: Universal Says Ride System Not at Fault for Man’s Tragic Death
According to a report from WESH2 News, the lawsuit was filed by 49-year-old Sandi Streets, who lives in Central Florida and visited Epic Universe on April 30, during previews.
The woman’s complaint says Stardust Racers caused her head to shake violently and slam against her seat’s headrest. It goes on to say she had a reasonable expectation that the rides inside Epic Universe would be reasonably safe.
One of the allegations is that Universal failed to properly restrain her head while riding Stardust Racers.
The Spetsas-Buist law firm filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, asking for a jury trial to decide how much Universal should compensate Streets for her head injuries.
Related: Community Rallies After Universal Guest Passes Away, New Details Released
While Universal had not reported any injuries that Ms. Street allegedly suffered, the theme park did report that a 47-year-old woman with preexisting conditions had “visual disturbance and numbness,” and a 63-year-old man with preexisting conditions experienced dizziness, both after riding Stardust Racers.
The family of Mr. Zavala has hired famed lawyer Ben Crump as they seek answers in their loved one’s death. Mr. Crump emphasized that Mr. Zavala’s spinal condition did not contribute to his tragic death.
How do you feel about this sudden lawsuit following Mr. Zavala’s death? Do you think the woman is trying to take advantage of the situation? Do you think more people will file lawsuits in the wake of this heartbreaking death? Do you think Universal needs to make Stardust Racers safer by changing the restraint system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!