On September 17th, a guest at Universal’s Epic Universe Park passed away on the Stardust Racers ride. The rider, later identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, cause of death has just been determined to be “multiple blunt impact injuries.” The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is still investigating this tragic death.
Zavala’s death is considered an accident by Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D, after an autopsy performed on September 18th.
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,” Universal said in a statement sent through the Orange County Fire Rescue Department. “The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office claims that Zavala was found in the ride.
“We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guests’ loved ones,” Universal adds.
Stardust Racers has been closed indefinitely following this and two other incidents. In the four months since this park opened, this is the third issue involving the ride. However, the previous riders seemed to be suffering from pre-existing conditions that may have caused the dizziness, numbness, altered state of consciousness, and visual disturbances described.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about the investigation into Zavala’s passing. We offer his family and loved ones our deepest condolences. A GoFundMe has been started to aid his family.
