The state investigation continues into a Kissimmee man who died from “multiple blunt impact injuries” after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was visiting the park near Orlando and was found unresponsive on the roller coaster after riding it. In an incident report shared with USA TODAY Network-Florida on Friday afternoon, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a medical emergency at the theme park at around 9:20 p.m.
The report revealed that there were no 911 calls made about the incident, which is likely due to riders having to put their phones in lockers downstairs. OCSO shared two audios: a self-initiated call by a deputy and a non-emergency call from the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.
In audio shared by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy at the scene told the OCSO communication center that they were responding to a guest (later identified as Rodriguez) who had a laceration and was “not breathing.”
Universal Orlando Health Services and OCFRD were performing CPR on Rodriguez when deputies arrived. The OCSO said Rodriguez was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m.
The report also shares that Rodriguez’s girlfriend of 10 years was at the theme park with him and was described by the deputy as “visibly shaken.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is a part of the investigation into the incident, according to a statement sent to the USA TODAY Network on Friday.
What was the cause of death for the Epic Universe guest?
The Orange County Medical Examiner told USA TODAY on Thursday evening that “multiple blunt impact injuries” are the cause of death. It has been ruled an accident.
In the incident report, it states that Rodriguez, who was a wheelchair user, had a preexisting spinal injury and was taking medication for it. The report did not specify what medication.
Details on specific injuries and what happened have yet to be released. OCSO said on Friday that while they understand that there is a lot of interest in the case, additional information will likely not be released while the investigation is active.
Who died at Epic Universe? GoFundMe set up for Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, of Kissimmee died after being found unresponsive on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers roller coaster after riding it on Sept. 17. His family set up a GoFundMe to cover the funeral and memorial expenses.
The Rodriguez Zavala Family set up a GoFundMe on Sept. 18 to cover the funeral and memorial expenses for Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.
“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 GoFundMe description reads. “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. 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.”
As of Sept. 22, it has raised over $25,000.
What did Universal Orlando say about the guest who died at Epic?
Universal Orlando shared a statement to USA TODAY following the incident on Sept. 18, stating that they were cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and were “devastated by this event.”
WESH 2 reported on Sept. 21 that a letter was sent to Universal Orlando Team Members by the President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, Karen Irwin.
“In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one,” the letter begins. “Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by the tragic loss.”
The letter states that 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. Irwin also says team members followed proper procedures.
Irwin also thanked team members for their handling of the incident and reminds them to be mindful that this is an ongoing investigation.
USA TODAY has reached out to Universal about the internal report.
Where is Epic Universe located?
Florida’s Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando. Universal Orlando’s newest theme park opened its doors earlier this year, in May, the first for Orlando in over 25 years.
What is Stardust Racers?
Stardust Racers is a dueling coaster in Universal Epic Universe’s Celestial Park. You never know which side will win.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster located in the Celestial Park section of Epic Universe. It reaches speeds of 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in the air, and runs along 5,000 feet of track.
It was manufactured by the German company Mack Rides. In a statement to USA TODAY Florida, Head of Marketing Maximilian Roeser said they are “deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving the ‘Stardust Racers’ attraction.”
Roeser said they are currently unable to comment on the circumstances of the accident but are “in close contact with the operator and the authorities and are actively supporting the investigation.”
According to Universal Orlando’s website, guests wanting to ride Stardust Racers:
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Should be able to independently: (1) maintain an upright position, (2) support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements, and (3) brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity.
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When seated, both natural legs must, at a minimum, terminate below the ankle. No prosthetic limbs.
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Must be able to take a small step into the ride vehicle compartment, either independently or with assistance from a companion.
There is also a height requirement, which is a minimum of 48 inches (or 4 feet).
When will Stardust Racers reopen?
The ride was closed following the incident and has since not been reopened as of Sept. 22. Universal Orlando has not shared whether the coaster will continue to be closed.
What happens to an attraction after an accident?
USA TODAY interviewed industry leaders in 2023 about ride safety and what happens to an attraction if a serious incident occurs. Here’s what they said.
Jim Seay, president and owner of Premier Rides, which designs and manufactures attractions for major theme parks, said parks will typically notify state authorities and the ride’s manufacturers, who work together, often with third parties brought in by either regulators or park operators, to determine the cause.
“Mechanical and electrical failures end up being probably the smallest component of what can create an incident,” Seay said.
But if it turns out to be related to a mechanical failure, Seay said, “we would have both a moral duty plus a business duty and standards duty to inform other people that have similar equipment. And if someone has the same ride at another park, we would inform them of that and would detail what steps need to be taken before they continue to operate that ride.”
“Rides can reopen if all tests, if all investigation has shown positively that it was not a failure of the ride system itself,” Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, said.
In some cases, park operators may still choose to close a ride after a serious accident permanently. Wahl added: “If a ride reopens, I can guarantee you that several investigations have been made, that safety inspectors have looked at the ride, and that all checks have been done in a way that it is safe to reopen.”
Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Epic Universe Stardust Racers death: What happened, what we know
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