Family seeks answers after death on Universal’s Epic Universe coaster

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after being seated in the front of Stardust Racers, Universal’s Epic Universe coaster in Orlando, on Sept. 17. A medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by blunt-force injuries sustained on the high-speed ride, which reaches about 62 mph and rises 133 feet. The dual-launch coaster is one of the centerpiece attractions for the park’s new Epic Universe expansion, and its closure for a comprehensive safety review has raised questions about what happened during Zavala’s final ride.

Zavala, who had spinal cord atrophy and used a wheelchair, had saved Stardust Racers for his final ride of the day with his girlfriend of 10 years. His family told Good Morning America that he became unconscious as the ride ended and that his head appeared to jerk back and forth. “It is so difficult because I have no idea what happened there. And now, I don’t have my kid,” his father, Carlos Rodriguez Zavala, told a news agency. “I heard from other people that he was hitting his head back and forth. So my question is, what happened to him? Something happened there.” His sister, Lisa Cruz Rodriguez, added, “I’m still waiting to wake up.”

The family has engaged civil rights attorney Ben Crump and is demanding Universal Orlando release maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage to uncover what led to Zavala’s death. Crump told reporters that even if the ride did not malfunction, safety issues could still be to blame, and the family’s aim is to ensure safeguards are in place so others are not put at risk. “We just want it to be safer so everybody can enjoy it and not have to go through this again,” Crump said.

Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, maintained to employees that Stardust Racers was functioning normally at the time of the incident, that all equipment was intact, and that staff were following procedures, according to an internal memo obtained by Deadline. The coaster will remain closed while park officials conduct a comprehensive review of its operation and safety protocols. Zavala’s death has intensified scrutiny of safety measures for Epic Universe as the investigation continues.

Stardust Racers is described as a high-speed, dual-launch roller coaster that can send two trains racing in a duel, adding to the park’s lineup of thrill attractions at Epic Universe. Zavala’s family has emphasized the need for transparency in the wake of the tragedy, calling for detailed records and footage to determine whether a mechanical issue, rider interaction, or other factors contributed to the blunt-force injuries that medical examiners attributed to the fall. Crump noted that even if a malfunction did not occur, it is essential to review maintenance and safety practices to prevent future incidents. The investigation’s outcome could influence how Universal Orlando communicates with guests and how safety data is shared moving forward.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge theme parks face in balancing cutting-edge thrill rides with robust safety oversight. While officials have confirmed that the ride was in normal operation before the end of Zavala’s ride, the exact sequence of events inside the vehicle remains under review. Family members have shown resilience amid grief while seeking answers and greater accountability from park operators. The case underscores the importance of independent access to maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage as part of a transparent investigative process.