Universal Says Ride System Not at Fault for Man's Tragic Death

On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala went to the Universal Orlando Resort and visited its newest theme park, Epic Universe. Mr. Rodriguez headed into Celestial Park and boarded the dual-launch roller coaster, Stardust Racers. The new coaster reaches heights of 133 feet and speeds of 62 miles per hour.

Unfortunately, at some point during the ride, Mr. Zavala lost consciousness. When the ride finally ended, medical personnel rushed to Mr. Zavala and transported him to the hospital, where they tried to revive him, but he was pronounced dead. According to the medical examiner’s report, Mr. Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries” sustained after he became unconscious.

Universal Orlando Resort Celestial Park Starfall Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe. — Credit: Universal’s Celestial Park Stardust Racers roller coaster

Part of the 9-1-1 audio was released after Mr. Zavala’s death, and it was revealed that CPR was performed on him on the Stardust platform immediately after the ride ended. Mr. Zavala’s girlfriend also revealed that he had a preexisting spinal condition, which caused him to use a wheelchair, and also that he was on medication, but did not say what the medication was.

In a GoFundMe setup to help the Zavala family, Mr. Zavala was described as “one of a kind… with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding.”

He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own. Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.

Stardust Racers Celestial Park Epic Universe — Credit: Universal

A representative from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) investigated the incident on September 18, according to WESH 2 News. As outlined on its official website, FDACS is responsible for inspecting all amusement rides throughout Florida, with the exception of major theme parks that have over 1,000 employees and maintain their own team of full-time ride inspectors.

FDACS Director Aaron Keller confirmed that an investigation had been launched and that Universal had been very cooperative. The department promised to release more information as it became available.

Concept artwork for Celestial Park at Universal Orlando Resort Epic Universe theme park. — Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Now, just days after the devastating accident, Universal has stated that Stardust Racers did not suffer any malfunction, was operating normally, and the ride system was not responsible for the death of Mr. Zavala.

Universal Orlando Resort President and COO, Karen Irwin, sent out a statement to Universal Orlando team members. The statement was obtained by WESH2 News and reads:

Dear Team Members,

In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one.

As you may know, on Wednesday evening, a Guest was unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, was transported to the hospital, and later sadly passed away.

Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, our Team Members, for the resilience, compassion, and professionalism you have shown. I am proud of the way you supported one another and our Guests, while carrying out your responsibilities with care and excellence during an incredibly hard moment.

Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures. The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.

In the days ahead, please be mindful that this is an ongoing investigation. I ask that you continue to support each other and remember emotional support resources are available for you in-person and virtually.

Thank you for living our values and the commitment you bring to our Guests and each other, especially in moments like this. Together we will continue to move forward with compassion, care and professionalism.

Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. — Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the Magic

At this time, we do not know when Stardust Racers will reopen. If you would like to donate to the family of Kevin Zavala, you can click here to visit the GoFundMe page that has been set up.

This is not the first time that problems with Stardust Racers have been addressed. Early on, guests were informed that, for their safety, shoes must be worn at all times. Guests must also go through a metal detector before boarding the ride in order to make sure they do not have anything in their pockets or elsewhere on their person.

Modified seating is also currently being added to the attraction to accommodate more riders.

We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Kevin Zavala.

Have you ridden Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe? Do you think the attraction is too intense, or not any more intense than other attractions at the resort? Share your thoughts with us on this tragic event in the comments.