Family disputes Universal coaster death ruling, citing head injury over disability

Family Dispute Over Death: Head Injury vs. Disability

A man with a spinal disability died after likely hitting his head on a roller coaster restraint; ride function was confirmed, but safety concerns remain.
Emily Johnson1 hour agoLast Update :
Disability played no role in man's death after riding Universal roller coaster, lawyers say
www.cbsnews.com

Disability played no role in man’s death after riding Universal roller coaster, lawyers say, as reported on 2025-09-25 00:59:00. The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man with a spinal disability, is seeking answers after he died following a ride at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park.

5 Key Takeaways
  • Man died after riding Universal Orlando coaster
  • Family believes head injury caused death, not disability
  • Medical examiner cites blunt force trauma as cause
  • Universal reports ride functioned properly, no malfunction
  • Ride remains closed for review and investigation
Fast Answer: Zavala died from blunt force trauma during a roller coaster ride, with his disability not contributing to his death.

Zavala became unresponsive last week while riding the Stardust Racers coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 62 mph. He was taken to a hospital and later died. Attorneys for his family believe he hit his head on a restraint during the ride’s downward motion and was unconscious most of the time. They state Zavala had no prior medical issues. The medical examiner classified his death as an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries.

Warning! Investigations suggest the ride functioned properly, but safety concerns remain unresolved as the coaster remains closed for review.
  • Universal Orlando officials confirmed the ride systems operated normally and equipment was intact.
  • Investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture agree with the theme park’s initial findings.
  • The coaster, Stardust Racers, is a dual-launch ride capable of reaching 62 mph and is currently under review with its manufacturer.
  • Legal representatives criticize statements claiming the ride’s proper functioning exclude safety issues.

The incident raises questions about ride safety protocols and the effectiveness of safety measures at Epic Universe, which opened just before Memorial Day, marking Florida’s first major theme park opening in over 25 years. The case highlights ongoing concerns about ride safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.

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