In brief
Two weeks after the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on Universal's new roller coaster, his family demands answers regarding safety concerns as additional reports from other injured riders emerge. The legal team, led by attorney Ben Crump, questions the theme park's safety protocols as Universal conducts its own inspections. Reports indicate prior incidents of injury, raising concerns about the ride's design and operation.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Multiple individuals have come forward with disturbing experiences related to the tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who succumbed to blunt force injuries on September 17 while enjoying the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Amidst rising concerns, attorney Ben Crump reported that a woman who suffered severe injuries on the same ride has reached out to Zavala's family, stating she blacked out during her experience shortly after the ride's opening in May. All we want is answers regarding my son’s death, stated Zavala’s grieving mother, Ana Zavala, through an interpreter at a news briefing. We need these answers to honor him and find peace, and we do not wish this pain on anyone.The roller coaster, known for its dual-launch features that reach speeds of up to 62 mph, officially opened to the public in May. In a troubling pattern, Sandi Streets, a central Florida woman, recently filed a lawsuit against Universal, citing severe head injuries that resulted from her ride in April, before the park's public opening. Crump emphasized the urgent need for Universal to respond effectively to concerns raised by riders about safety protocols. In the wake of Zavala's incident, the local medical examiner classified his death as resulting from an accidental injury. Universal's president, Karen Irwin, reassured staff shortly after that internal reports indicated all ride systems were functioning correctly at the time of the accident, a finding supported by preliminary state investigations. However, Crump argues that significant gaps in safety oversight for large theme parks such as Universal call for more stringent government regulation. Unlike smaller venues, Florida's paramount amusement parks conduct self-inspections, yet must report any fatalities or injuries to state officials.Since opening, additional incidents have emerged involving other riders on various attractions within Epic Universe, raising alarms about potential design flaws. With the call for accountability growing louder, Zavala’s family hopes to prevent such tragedies in the future and urges any witnesses or injured parties to come forward.
