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.
Death investigation underway at Universal's Epic Universe
Universal Orlando confirmed to FOX 35 News late Wednesday night that a guest at Epic Universe died after becoming unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters. A death investigation is now underway. Matthew Miller, creative director at Innovated Studios, joins Good Day Orlando to talk more about the theme park incident.
Universal Orlando confirmed to FOX 35 News late Wednesday night that a guest at Epic Universe died after becoming unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters. A death investigation is now underway. Matthew Miller, creative director at Innovated Studios, joins Good Day Orlando to talk more about the theme park incident.
Epic Universe guest dies after riding Stardust Racers
A Universal Orlando guest has died after becoming unresponsive at Epic Universe on Wednesday. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz fills us in on what we know so far about the "tragic" event.
A Universal Orlando guest has died after becoming unresponsive at Epic Universe on Wednesday. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz fills us in on what we know so far about the "tragic" event.
Universal confirms future development for 'Lost Continent'
Universal Orlando has confirmed construction plans for the "Lost Continent," a land within its Islands of Adventure theme park. It comes after the closures of the Sinbad show and Poseidon's Fury. Universal did not release specifics, but confirmed there would be construction related to site planning for the land's future.
Universal Orlando has confirmed construction plans for the "Lost Continent," a land within its Islands of Adventure theme park. It comes after the closures of the Sinbad show and Poseidon's Fury. Universal did not release specifics, but confirmed there would be construction related to site planning for the land's future.
SeaWorld Orlando's Howl-O-Scream
Now in its fifth year, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is unleashing a new wave of screams with unexpected horrors lurking around every corner. This separately ticketed event is built for the brave, featuring spine-tingling scare zones, menacing haunted houses and heart-pounding thrill rides in the dark. FOX 35's David Martin heads over to the theme park to give us a preview of the event.
Now in its fifth year, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is unleashing a new wave of screams with unexpected horrors lurking around every corner. This separately ticketed event is built for the brave, featuring spine-tingling scare zones, menacing haunted houses and heart-pounding thrill rides in the dark. FOX 35's David Martin heads over to the theme park to give us a preview of the event.
Busch Gardens' Stanley Falls Flume last splash on Sept. 7
After more than half a century, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is just days away from closing one of its original rides: the Stanley Falls Flume. FOX 35's David Martin hops on for one last ride at the theme park.
After more than half a century, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is just days away from closing one of its original rides: the Stanley Falls Flume. FOX 35's David Martin hops on for one last ride at the theme park.
Walt Disney World confirms last day for DinoLand USA
Drew Smith, AKA Drew the Disney Dude joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down the latest news surrounding the shutdown of DinoLand USA as the Boneyard is officially closed as the park plans for the Tropical Americas takeover, including attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Drew Smith, AKA Drew the Disney Dude joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down the latest news surrounding the shutdown of DinoLand USA as the Boneyard is officially closed as the park plans for the Tropical Americas takeover, including attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Halloween Horror Nights opening weekend review
Tharin White, lead publisher of EYNTK.info, joined FOX 35 News+ to talk about the hauntings and the highlights from the opening weekend of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.
Tharin White, lead publisher of EYNTK.info, joined FOX 35 News+ to talk about the hauntings and the highlights from the opening weekend of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.
Lots of Disney announcements, additions unveiled at D23
It was a busy weekend at Coronado Springs at Walt Disney World Resort for Destination D23, where Disney unveiled a lot of changes, additions and upgrades coming to Disney parks. Drew the Disney Dude joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down the highlights.
It was a busy weekend at Coronado Springs at Walt Disney World Resort for Destination D23, where Disney unveiled a lot of changes, additions and upgrades coming to Disney parks. Drew the Disney Dude joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer to break down the highlights.
First weekend of Halloween Horror Nights 2025
Universal Orlando is kicking off its spooky season with the return of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) this weekend. The highly anticipated event offers guests 48 select nights to experience the terror of ten haunted houses, four scare zones, live shows and more. This year's event will run through Nov. 2.
Universal Orlando is kicking off its spooky season with the return of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) this weekend. The highly anticipated event offers guests 48 select nights to experience the terror of ten haunted houses, four scare zones, live shows and more. This year's event will run through Nov. 2.
Top tips for Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Opening Night
It is opening night for Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, and EYNTK.info Lead Publisher Tharin White gives you an up-close and personal look at Stay and Scream for this year's HHN festivities live via Zoom from Universal Orlando.
It is opening night for Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, and EYNTK.info Lead Publisher Tharin White gives you an up-close and personal look at Stay and Scream for this year's HHN festivities live via Zoom from Universal Orlando.
Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights kicks off on Friday
Universal Orlando is kicking off its spooky season with the return of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) on Friday. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event, how to get tickets and what's new at the theme park.
Universal Orlando is kicking off its spooky season with the return of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) on Friday. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event, how to get tickets and what's new at the theme park.
Howl-O-Scream 2025 Preview: What to expect
Susan Storey, theme park expert, joined FOX 35's Good Day Xtra to give us a first look at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Halloween events.
Susan Storey, theme park expert, joined FOX 35's Good Day Xtra to give us a first look at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's Halloween events.
First look: 'Beak and Barrel' pirate-themed tavern opening at Magic Kingdom
A pirate-themed tavern is set to debut at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom next week, and demand is already so high that reservations are booked through late October.
A pirate-themed tavern is set to debut at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom next week, and demand is already so high that reservations are booked through late October.
New details unveiled about big changes coming to Disney
Drew Smith (a.k.a. Drew the Disney Dude) joined Florida Live to talk about some big changes and additions coming to Walt Disney World in the coming months. Reservations are now open for the new Beak and Barrel Tavern at Magic Kingdom, and new renderings show reimagined versions of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. A new Zootopia show opens soon. And more!
Drew Smith (a.k.a. Drew the Disney Dude) joined Florida Live to talk about some big changes and additions coming to Walt Disney World in the coming months. Reservations are now open for the new Beak and Barrel Tavern at Magic Kingdom, and new renderings show reimagined versions of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. A new Zootopia show opens soon. And more!