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Family calls for answers in Epic Universe roller coaster death
Attorneys representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, remembered him as a "theme park enthusiast" and someone who lived a completely independent life.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Attorneys representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, remembered him as a "theme park enthusiast" and someone who lived a completely independent life. Attorneys and family said that Zavala, who used a wheelchair and was born with a spinal injury, did not have a medical emergency and was not under any medical restrictions on the day that he and his girlfriend were at Epic Universe.
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Epic Universe death: Ben Crump press conference | FULL
Attorneys representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, remembered him as a "theme park enthusiast" and someone who lived a completely independent life. Attorneys and family said that Zavala, who used a wheelchair and was born with a spinal injury, did not have a medical emergency and was not under any medical restrictions on the day that he and his girlfriend were at Epic Universe. The family wants a "full and transparent" investigation, and wants the ride shut down until those investigations are completed.
Zavala became unresponsive while on the ride and was unconscious for most of it, Crump alleged during a Wednesday news conference. Officials previously confirmed that Zavala was unresponsive at the end of the ride, had a laceration (or cut) of some sort, and that CPR was actively being performed on the ride platform. He died at the hospital. The Orange County Medical Examiner confirmed that Zavala died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was ruled an accident.
Crump, who is representing the family, said they're demanding a "full and transparent" investigation into what happened to Zavala on that particular rider on Stardust Racers to include maintenance and inspection logs, as well as video of the ride itself.
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Epic Universe death: Attorney Natalie Jackson speaks
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. During the event, Natalie Jackson, co-director of litigation with the Ben Crump Law Firm, helped to answer some questions about the death investigation.
Family wants Stardust Racers to be closed until investigations complete
The family wants the same investigations and wants Stardust Racers to remain closed until those investigations are completed. Stardust Racers has been closed since Sept. 17, the night of Zavala's death. Universal has not announced when the ride would – or could – reopen. In the Universal app, Stardust Racers had read, "Closed Today," since the 17th.
"We have to know what happened," Crump said.
He challenged those who may have suggested that Zavala died from his apparent spinal cord injury or a disability in general, noting that he lived an independent life, could drive, could cook, and that he had been on rides with his girlfriend many times before and on that same day at Epic Universe without apparent issues.
"This night, he was fine," Crump said, noting that he was under no medical concerns or restrictions.
"We have to know what happened," Crump said during a press conference."
Crump also cited the Medical Examiner's report, noting that he believed "blunt force trauma" meant Zavala's head hitting some part of the ride, ride vehicle, or ride restraint multiple times. He said Zavala was unconscious for a majority of the ride. The autopsy has not been released.
Crump represented Tyre Sampson's father, Yarnell Sampson, in a wrongful death lawsuit after the teenager died after falling out of the restraints of a drop tower-style ride in 2022 at ICON Park in Orlando. The Orlando FreeFall ride, which was managed by another company, was eventually torn down. Sampson's death also sparked legislation – "The Tyre Sampson Act" – adding more safety requirements for amusement park rides in Florida.
When is Kevin Zavala's funeral?
Kevin Rodriguez's funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at the Funerari San Juan Funeral Home at S. John Young Parkway in Kissimmee. The funeral will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Epic Universe Orlando President: "Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones"
In statements, Universal has described Zavala's death as tragic and devastating. In a letter to Team Members last weekend, Universal Orlando President said its initial investigation has shown that Stardust Racers operated normally and that the ride's equipment.
"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."
What is Stardust Racers? Is Stardust Racers open or closed?
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster located within Epic Universal's Celestial Park. It was one of the most anticipated attractions at Epic Universe, which celebrated its grand opening in May 2025.
Guests launch and race against each other across 5,000-feet of track, reaching heights up to 133 feet and up to 62 mph.
Stardust Racers has been closed since Sept. 17, 2025. As of Wednesday, Sept. 24, the ride was still closed, according to the Universal app. It's not known when it could or would reopen.
Report: Universal reports 2 previous injuries on Stardust Racers
In Florida, smaller amusement parks and theme parks fall under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services jurisdiction when it comes to ride safety, inspections, and permits. However, Florida's major theme parks, like Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld, conduct their own inspections and self-report injuries to the state.
It's part of a Memorandum of Understanding that's been in place for decades. Theme parks have to report injuries every quarter.
For the first six months of 2025, January to July, Universal reported 10 injuries. Since Epic opened on May 22, Universal reported two injuries involving Stardust Racers:
- On June 22, a 63-year-old man experienced dizziness/altered state of consciousness. Universal noted that he had a pre-existing condition.
- On June 24, a 47-year-old female experienced visual disturbance/numbness. Universal noted that she had a pre-existing condition.
You can view the latest report, here.
About Epic Universe
Epic Universe celebrated its grand opening on May 22, 2025 – nearly four months ago. It's home to five lands: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.