Epic Universe Stardust Racers death was not an 'isolated incident' and ‘entirely preventable,' Ben Crump says
It's been almost two weeks since 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive while on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died at the hospital. Since then, Ben Crump, the attorney representing the family of Zavala, said multiple other riders and witnesses have come forward to share similar experiences while riding the coaster.
It's been almost two weeks since 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive while on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died at the hospital. Since then, Ben Crump, the attorney representing the family of Zavala, said multiple other riders and witnesses have come forward to share similar experiences while riding the coaster.
Epic Universe death: Ben Crump schedules news conference
On Tuesday morning, Attorney Ben Crump is expected to deliver an update in the case of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Zavala became unresponsive while on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died at the hospital, officials said. He died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was ruled an accident.
On Tuesday morning, Attorney Ben Crump is expected to deliver an update in the case of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Zavala became unresponsive while on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died at the hospital, officials said. He died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was ruled an accident.
Changes coming to Hollywood Studios as two areas close
Drew Smith, a.k.a. Drew the Disney Dude, and Zach Perilstein, editor-in-chief of Boardwalk Times, joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to talk about the changes underway at Disney's Hollywood Studios as Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard permanently close. They also talk about how those projects -- and others -- fit into the the overall transformation Hollywood Studios will undergo over the next couple of years.
Drew Smith, a.k.a. Drew the Disney Dude, and Zach Perilstein, editor-in-chief of Boardwalk Times, joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to talk about the changes underway at Disney's Hollywood Studios as Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard permanently close. They also talk about how those projects -- and others -- fit into the the overall transformation Hollywood Studios will undergo over the next couple of years.
Spotlight on ride safety
Days after a man died following a ride on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers dueling coaster, a woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that she suffered "permanent injuries" after riding the coaster earlier this year. Daniel Leavelle, Midway Mayhem, joins Good Day Orlando to talk more about ride safety.
Days after a man died following a ride on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers dueling coaster, a woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that she suffered "permanent injuries" after riding the coaster earlier this year. Daniel Leavelle, Midway Mayhem, joins Good Day Orlando to talk more about ride safety.
Man who died on Stardust Racers to be laid to rest
On Sept. 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was at Epic Universe where he rode Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster. At some point, Zavala became unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. Zavala will be laid to rest on Friday morning.
On Sept. 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was at Epic Universe where he rode Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster. At some point, Zavala became unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. Zavala will be laid to rest on Friday morning.
Halloween events, Candlelight Processional, Food & Wine
The fall season is here, which means the winter season will follow close behind. Central Florida's theme parks have some of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. Tharin White, theme park expert with EYNTK.Info, joins Good Day Orlando to share the latest news from the theme parks.
The fall season is here, which means the winter season will follow close behind. Central Florida's theme parks have some of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. Tharin White, theme park expert with EYNTK.Info, joins Good Day Orlando to share the latest news from the theme parks.
Family wants answers after Stardust Racers 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. 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. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest updates in the ongoing death investigation.
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. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest updates in the ongoing death investigation.
Epic Universe death: Kevin Zavala's family talk
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's sisters and brother remembered his during a press conference with attorney Ben Crump in Orlando on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, one week after Zavala became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala later died at the hospital. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries," and ruled his death an accident.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's sisters and brother remembered his during a press conference with attorney Ben Crump in Orlando on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, one week after Zavala became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala later died at the hospital. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries," and ruled his death an accident.
Epic Universe death: Attorney Ben Crump 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, Crump spoke about who Zavala was and how tragic his death was.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. During the event, Crump spoke about who Zavala was and how tragic his death was.
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.
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's attorney to give update on roller coaster death
Attorney Ben Crump will give an update on Wednesday related to the death case of 32-year-old Kevin Rodr?guez Zavala. Zavala died last week from "multiple blunt force injuries," the Orange County medical examiner said, ruling his death accidental. His family is now "seeking full transparency" from the Florida theme park.
Attorney Ben Crump will give an update on Wednesday related to the death case of 32-year-old Kevin Rodr?guez Zavala. Zavala died last week from "multiple blunt force injuries," the Orange County medical examiner said, ruling his death accidental. His family is now "seeking full transparency" from the Florida theme park.
Family hires attorney after Orlando roller coaster death
The family of Kevin Zavala has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump in light of Zavala's death. They're demanding transparency into what happened. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest details in the ongoing Epic Universe death investigation.
The family of Kevin Zavala has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump in light of Zavala's death. They're demanding transparency into what happened. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest details in the ongoing Epic Universe death investigation.
Epic Universe death: Tyre Sampson attorney weighs in
A 32-year-old man died last week after becoming unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe in Orlando. FOX 35 News Anchor Ryan Elijah speaks with Michael Haggard, the lawyer representing Tyre Sampson's family, more about the death investigation. Tyre is the 14-year-old boy who died riding the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park.
A 32-year-old man died last week after becoming unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe in Orlando. FOX 35 News Anchor Ryan Elijah speaks with Michael Haggard, the lawyer representing Tyre Sampson's family, more about the death investigation. Tyre is the 14-year-old boy who died riding the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park.
Universal president issues letter after guest's death
A letter was sent out to employees from the Universal Orlando president following the death of a guest last week after riding an Epic Universe ride. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz tells us more about what the letter said.
A letter was sent out to employees from the Universal Orlando president following the death of a guest last week after riding an Epic Universe ride. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz tells us more about what the letter said.
Attorney: Stardust Racers could be closed for weeks or months
The attorney who represented one of the family members of Tyre Sampson, the teenager who died after falling off a ride at ICON Park, said it's possible that Stardust Racers, the ride at Epic Universe where a man became unresponsive this week and later died, could be shut down for weeks or months as multiple investigations are presumably launched into what happened. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night after riding the dueling coaster. A report said he suffered "multiple blunt force injuries." He death was ruled accidental.
The attorney who represented one of the family members of Tyre Sampson, the teenager who died after falling off a ride at ICON Park, said it's possible that Stardust Racers, the ride at Epic Universe where a man became unresponsive this week and later died, could be shut down for weeks or months as multiple investigations are presumably launched into what happened. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night after riding the dueling coaster. A report said he suffered "multiple blunt force injuries." He death was ruled accidental.
Tyre Sampson lawyer discusses Epic Universe death
A 32-year-old man became unconscious -- and later died -- after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe, the newest major theme park to open in Florida. An incident report said Kevin Rodriguez Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair. As soon as the ride ended, he was unresponsive, had a cut somewhere, and paramedics quickly began performing CPR. He was transported to the hospital, while CPR was still happening, and was pronounced death. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was listed as accidental. He was at Epic Universe with his longtime girlfriend, the report said. Questions have since been raised about the safety requirements for the ride and riders. FOX 35 talked with one of the lawyers who represented the family of Tyre Sampson, a teenager who died after he fell out of the restraints of a ride at ICON Park in 2022. That ride was ultimately torn down. It also spawned the Tyre Sampson Bill, which pushed for more safety regulations for rides and theme parks.
A 32-year-old man became unconscious -- and later died -- after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe, the newest major theme park to open in Florida. An incident report said Kevin Rodriguez Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair. As soon as the ride ended, he was unresponsive, had a cut somewhere, and paramedics quickly began performing CPR. He was transported to the hospital, while CPR was still happening, and was pronounced death. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was listed as accidental. He was at Epic Universe with his longtime girlfriend, the report said. Questions have since been raised about the safety requirements for the ride and riders. FOX 35 talked with one of the lawyers who represented the family of Tyre Sampson, a teenager who died after he fell out of the restraints of a ride at ICON Park in 2022. That ride was ultimately torn down. It also spawned the Tyre Sampson Bill, which pushed for more safety regulations for rides and theme parks.
Reported injuries at Florida theme parks
When a guest fell unconscious and later died after riding a roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe, the newest theme park to open in Florida, FOX 35 News decided to look at the latest self-reported injuries report from Central Florida's major theme parks. Here's what we found.
When a guest fell unconscious and later died after riding a roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe, the newest theme park to open in Florida, FOX 35 News decided to look at the latest self-reported injuries report from Central Florida's major theme parks. Here's what we found.
Doctor discusses risks of riding roller coasters
A man visiting Epic Universe with his girlfriend became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital earlier this week. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. Dr. Gayatri Patel, of AdventHealth, joins Good Day Orlando to talk about some of the risks surrounding riding roller coasters.
A man visiting Epic Universe with his girlfriend became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital earlier this week. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. Dr. Gayatri Patel, of AdventHealth, joins Good Day Orlando to talk about some of the risks surrounding riding roller coasters.
The risks of riding roller coasters
At Universal Orlando, there are requirements to ride certain rides, such as the Stardust Racers roller coaster. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz talks about some of the risks these rides could pose to people.
At Universal Orlando, there are requirements to ride certain rides, such as the Stardust Racers roller coaster. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz talks about some of the risks these rides could pose to people.
Epic Universe death investigation continues
A 32-year-old man visiting Epic Universe earlier this week became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital, officials said. The Orange County Medical Examiner said Zavala died from "multiple blunt impact injuries." His death was ruled an accident. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie has all the latest details in the investigation.
A 32-year-old man visiting Epic Universe earlier this week became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital, officials said. The Orange County Medical Examiner said Zavala died from "multiple blunt impact injuries." His death was ruled an accident. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie has all the latest details in the investigation.



















