A state investigation is underway after a Kissimmee, Florida, man died from accidental injuries he suffered while riding on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was visiting the park near Orlando on Sept. 17 and was found unresponsive on the roller coaster after riding it. In an incident report shared with USA TODAY Florida on Friday afternoon, it was revealed that there were no 9-1-1 calls made about the incident, which is likely due to riders having to put their phones in lockers downstairs.
In audio shared by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, one of the deputies 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.”
Are theme park rides safe? What you should know about accidents
Orange County Fire Rescue and Universal Orlando Health Services 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.
The Orange County Medical Examiner said on Thursday afternoon that “multiple blunt impact injuries” are the cause of death.
An investigator from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services responded to the incident on Sept. 18, WESH 2 News reported. According to its website, FDACS inspects all amusement rides in Florida, except those at large parks that employ more than 1,000 people and have full-time inspectors on staff.
“Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released as it is available,” FDACS Communications Director Aaron Keller said in a statement to USA TODAY Florida.
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 Rodriguez had a preexisting spinal injury and was taking medication for it. The report did not specify what medication.
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. 19, the GoFundMe has raised $16,250 out of its $28,000 goal.
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.
“We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” the statement continues. “We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
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.
What is Stardust Racers? Florida man’s death ruled from blunt impact injuries
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:
-
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.
-
When seated, both natural legs must, at a minimum, terminate below the ankle. No prosthetic limbs.
-
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. 19. 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 permanently close a ride after a serious accident. 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.”
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Epic Universe Stardust Racers death. What we know Friday
