Lawyers say disability wasn't a factor in man's death after Universal coaster ride

ORLANDO, Fla. — Attorneys for the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, who died last week after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe, said Monday that disability was not a factor in his death. The lawyers said Zavala likely struck his head on a restraint during the ride’s downward thrusts and was unconscious for most of the trip on the Stardust Racers coaster. Zavala had a spinal disability from birth and used a wheelchair, but his lawyers said he had no medical issues before the ride. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, whose firm represents the family, criticized a note from a Universal executive suggesting internal findings showed the ride worked as designed.

Crump and Natalie Jackson, fellow attorneys for Zavala’s family, described what witnesses told them: Zavala suffered repeated head strikes. “He was a theme-park enthusiast and a gamer with friends worldwide from gaming,” the lawyers said, noting Zavala treasured his independence and worked as an employment counselor for people with disabilities.

Karen Irwin, Universal Orlando Resort’s president, said in a note that internal findings showed the ride systems functioned normally, equipment was intact, and Universal workers followed the proper procedures. Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said their initial findings align with those of the theme park. The Stardust Racers ride remains closed as Universal conducts a comprehensive review of the ride with its manufacturer.

Zavala’s father, Carlos Rodriguez, described his son as an extraordinary young man who treasured his independence, drove and cooked for himself, and worked as an employment counselor to help others with disabilities. His parents said they never treated him differently than his sister and brother because of his disability.

The medical examiner for the Orlando area ruled the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries, with the manner listed as an accident. The coaster is a dual-launch model that can reach speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph). Witness accounts and the ride’s safety record are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigations, with the family saying they have engaged a team of outside experts in ride design, safety, manufacturing, and operations to guide their own inquiry.

Natalie Jackson, another attorney for Zavala’s family, said they have opened a line of communication with Universal officials and intend a full, independent investigation. “His disability did not kill him,” Jackson said. “It was the blunt force trauma.” The family has called for transparency and for the ride to remain shuttered until there is a clear understanding of how Zavala died and whether safety measures were adequate.

Investigators and Universal officials have emphasized that, so far, early findings do not indicate a malfunction or failure of the ride. Officials stressed that safety remains a priority and that the company will review design, manufacturing, and operation to identify any potential issues. The case has drawn attention to safety practices at new attractions and the speed at which emergency and investigative steps are taken when rider deaths occur, underscoring the ongoing debate about how best to ensure rider safety while continuing to expand theme parks’ offerings.