Authorities have concluded that the death of a 32-year-old man following an incident on a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort was accidental, bringing an official close to a case that drew national attention to theme park safety.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala suffered fatal injuries while riding the Stardust Racers attraction at Universal’s Epic Universe park in September. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation found no evidence of employee misconduct or mechanical failure, and the ride’s operators were determined to have followed established safety procedures.
The sheriff’s office formally closed the case earlier this month, aligning with findings from the District Nine Medical Examiner, which cited multiple blunt force injuries as the cause of death. Medical records detailed severe trauma to Zavala’s head, leg, and torso.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing Zavala alert and responsive as the ride began. However, when the high-speed coaster completed its run and returned to the loading platform, he was found slumped and unresponsive in his seat.
Zavala’s partner, who was seated beside him, told investigators she noticed difficulty securing their shared lap restraint before departure, stating it required repeated adjustments. She reported that during the ride’s initial drop, Zavala was violently thrown forward and struck his head multiple times despite her attempts to hold him in place.
Witnesses waiting nearby described a distressing aftermath. A physician present at the scene later told authorities that Zavala appeared critically injured, with visible bleeding and severe leg trauma. Emergency responders noted that the ride restraint could not be immediately released due to Zavala’s condition, delaying removal for several minutes after the coaster stopped.
Investigators also confirmed Zavala had significant pre-existing medical issues, including spinal complications that required surgical implants and past orthopedic injuries. His family stressed that these conditions were unrelated to the fatal injuries sustained during the ride.
On Saturday, the family’s attorney announced that a private resolution had been reached between Zavala’s relatives and Universal Orlando Resort. While the terms of the agreement were not disclosed, both parties described the outcome as amicable and requested privacy.
Universal confirmed the settlement and reiterated that an internal review of the Stardust Racers attraction found no technical defects. The coaster reopened to the public in October following a comprehensive safety assessment. Park records referenced in the sheriff’s report indicate that two prior injuries on the ride were minor and linked to guests’ underlying health conditions.
Warning signage at the attraction advises riders of intense movements and cautions individuals with back, neck, or related medical issues against participation.
Zavala was laid to rest on September 26. The incident occurred less than a year after Florida enacted stricter amusement ride safety regulations following another fatal accident at an Orlando-area attraction, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of ride safety standards statewide.
