The family of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Zavala died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe on Sept. 17, 2025. Credit: FOX 35 Orlando
The family of the man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe last week has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Kevin Rodríguez Zavala, 32, died on Wednesday 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.
“This tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency,” Crump said in a statement.
“A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account and fight to ensure Kevin’s family receives the answers and justice they deserve,” he concluded.
MAN WHO DIED AFTER BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE ON UNIVERSAL ROLLERCOASTER SUFFERED LACERATION: FIRST RESPONDERS
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after becoming unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe on Sept. 17, 2025. (GoFundMe)
Meanwhile, Orlando media outlets have obtained a copy of a letter from the resort’s president, Karen Irwin, to employees. The letter said one of the park’s newest thrill rides was operating normally when Zavala became unresponsive.
“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 letter, obtained by FOX 35 Orlando, said.
MAN DIES AFTER BECOMING UNRESPONSIVE ON ONE OF UNIVERSAL’S NEWEST RIDES
Stardust Racers is one of Universal parks’ newest thrill rides. This photo was taken from Universal Helios Grand Hotel in Orlando, Florida, on April 4, 2025. (Pilar Arias/Fox News Digital / Fox News)
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has also been investigating the cause of Zavala’s death.
“The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available,” a statement by the agency to FOX Business said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report says that Zavala’s girlfriend, who was at the theme park with him, told law enforcement that Zavala, who used a wheelchair, had a spinal injury and “was taking [redacted] medication.”
Guests ride Stardust Racers, a new twin coaster, during a preview day for Universal Epic Universe on April 5, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service / Getty Images)
Universal Orlando Resort did not immediately respond to a FOX Business inquiry.
Universal Orlando Resort said in a previous statement Thursday that it was “fully committed to cooperating” with the ongoing investigation.
Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe is a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 miles per hour, Universal Orlando Resort’s website says. (Pilar Arias/Fox News Digital / Fox News)
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The dual-launch coaster located in the Celestial Park portion of the theme park, which officially opened on May 22, 2025, remains closed, the Universal app showed on Tuesday.
FOX Business’ Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
#Family #hires #Ben #Crump #Universal #Epic #Universe #ride #death