Disability played no role in man’s death after riding Universal roller coaster, lawyers say

Family of Man Who Died on Universal Orlando Roller Coaster Blames Injury, Not Disability, for Death

Lawyers representing the family of a 32-year-old man who tragically passed away after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort have stated that his death was likely the result of an injury sustained during the ride, and not due to his pre-existing disability. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who had a spinal disability and used a wheelchair, became unresponsive while on the coaster at the newly opened Epic Universe theme park in Florida. Despite his disability, his attorneys assert that it did not play a role in his death.

According to the family’s legal team, Zavala may have hit his head on a restraint during the coaster’s downward movements, causing him to be unconscious for most of the ride. They emphasized that he had no prior medical issues before boarding the ride. Natalie Jackson, one of the family’s attorneys, stated that witnesses have reported multiple head strikes, leading to the conclusion that the cause of death was blunt force trauma.

The medical examiner in Orlando determined the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries, ruling it as an accident. The lawyers also criticized a statement from a Universal executive affirming that the ride operated correctly, pointing out that functioning equipment does not negate the presence of safety concerns that may have led to Zavala’s death.

Universal Orlando Resort’s president, Karen Irwin, maintained that the ride systems operated normally and that proper procedures were followed by employees. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services concurred with the theme park’s initial findings. The roller coaster remains closed as Universal conducts a thorough review in collaboration with its manufacturer.

“Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do,” Irwin assured. The ride in question, Stardust Racers, is a high-speed coaster reaching up to 62 mph. Epic Universe, where the incident occurred, marked the first major theme park opening in Florida in over 25 years.