New details have emerged in the death of a man who became unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers attraction at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, according to reports.
The rider, now identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair when he boarded the rollercoaster on Wednesday, according to an incident report obtained by WFTV9.
Zavala’s family has since retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who said he suffered “multiple blunt force injuries” on the popular amusement park ride.
A medical examiner ruled his death an accident from blunt impact injuries on Thursday, though it was not clear where on the body his injuries were found.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Stardust Racers is designed to accommodate parkgoers transferring from their wheelchair to the ride vehicle, according to a park safety guide.
Zalaya’s family is now urging the Orlando park to release maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data and video footage to understand the circumstances surrounding his death, according to Crump.
“This tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency. 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,” the firm said in a statement.
Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, maintained that the ride was functioning normally and that all equipment was intact during the ride, according to an internal memo obtained by Deadline.
“In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one,” Irwin said in the statement.
“The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is and always will be at the forefront of everything we do,” she said.
Zalaya’s family has since released a GoFundMe for funeral costs for their “beloved brother, son, uncle, and friend.”
“Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul—wise beyond his years—with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding,” the family said in a statement.
“He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own,” the fundraiser read.
“Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.”
The GoFundMe has since raised over $26,000, far surpassing its initial $8,000 goal.
Universal Orlando did not respond to the Post’s request for comment at the time of publication.
