Universal Orlando coaster death ruled accidental; family reaches resolution
Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala, 32, died from blunt‑force impact injuries after riding the Stardust Racers coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe on Sept. 17, 2025; Orange County authorities ruled the death accidental and found no criminality. The family has requested privacy.
- Accidental ruling: Orange County investigators closed a months‑long probe and found no criminality; the death was ruled accidental by the medical examiner.
- Cause: Autopsy cites multiple blunt‑force impact injuries, including severe facial trauma, internal bleeding and a fractured femur.
- Ride and incident: The Stardust Racers dual‑launch coaster reaches about 62 mph and 133 feet; on‑ride video and witness accounts detail Zavala slumping forward and striking his head.
- Family resolution: Universal Orlando reached an amicable resolution with the family, who are represented by attorney Ben Crump and have asked for privacy.
Incident details
On Sept. 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala, 32, rode Stardust Racers with his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz‑Robles. Security video and witness statements show Zavala was engaged at the start of the ride but later slumped forward; at the end of the ride he was unresponsive with severe facial trauma and a broken thigh bone and was pronounced dead at a hospital that night.
Sources: ABC News, WUSF, FOX35 Orlando.
Restraint, witness accounts and on‑ride video
Cruz‑Robles told investigators the lap bar required being pushed three or four times to lock. She said Zavala flew forward and hit his head on the first drop, and she tried to hold his head during the ride while he struck it repeatedly. Security footage recorded Cruz‑Robles’ calls for help that were not heard until the train returned to the station.
“The lap bar kept Zavala secured even as he was slumped,” investigators noted; crews spent roughly 10 minutes and several attempts to release him from the restraint after the ride stopped.
Sources: WUSF, FOX35 Orlando.
Medical examiner findings
The Orange County Medical Examiner listed multiple blunt‑impact injuries as the cause of death. The autopsy described extensive bruising, a broken nose, internal bleeding and a femur fractured in half. Those findings correspond with witness accounts and on‑ride video.
Investigators noted Zavala used a wheelchair, had metal rods from prior spinal surgery and lacked use of his legs; family members and an on‑scene doctor told authorities those conditions alone did not account for the fatal blunt‑force injuries. The medical examiner emphasized blunt‑force trauma as the proximate cause.
Sources: ABC News, WUSF, FOX35 Orlando.
Investigation outcome
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a months‑long review of video, ride mechanics, maintenance records and witness statements. Investigators concluded the ride functioned as designed and found no evidence of criminal activity; the case was closed with the death ruled accidental.
Universal response and family resolution
Universal Orlando says it cooperated fully with investigators. The company reached an amicable resolution with Zavala’s family; no public details of any settlement were released and the family requested privacy. The family is represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Sources: WUSF, ClickOrlando, Blooloop.
Public safety questions and ride details
Stardust Racers, part of Epic Universe, is a dual‑launch coaster that can reach approximately 62 mph and climb about 133 feet. Investigators reported no mechanical failure indicating criminal negligence; however, on‑ride safety questions remain for guests and advocates—especially regarding restraint fit and body position for riders with disabilities.
Source: ABC News.
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Economic: Las Vegas tourism depends on reputation; national stories about theme‑park incidents can affect travel planning and multi‑destination bookings that include Orlando. Travel agents, tour operators and hotels may see short‑term caution from some travelers.
Political & regulatory: Nevada regulators and elected officials often monitor national safety headlines. The Stardust Racers fatality could prompt local reviews of oversight, inspection routines and disability accommodation policies for attractions in Las Vegas.
Community & cultural: Disability advocates and local nonprofits may press for clearer warnings, better staff training and improved accommodation policies; operators that market thrill and spectacle may reexamine guest guidance and visible safety signage.
Sources: ABC News, ClickOrlando, WUSF, FOX35 Orlando.
Practical advice for residents and visitors
- Check attraction safety rules and restrictions before booking high‑thrill experiences.
- Families and caretakers of people with mobility issues should ask venues about restraint fit, staff training and special procedures.
- Travel businesses can add clear warning language and ensure frontline staff can answer safety questions related to incidents like this.
Reporting and sources
This report is based on official findings from the Orange County Medical Examiner and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and on reporting from national and local outlets, including ABC News, WUSF, FOX35 Orlando, ClickOrlando and Blooloop.
Note: No criminal charges were filed following the months‑long investigation; the official cause of death remains the blunt‑force injuries documented in the medical examiner’s report. The family has requested privacy as Universal Orlando and the family finalize a private resolution.
