The tragic death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man, following a ride on a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort has been ruled accidental. A report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, released this week, concluded its investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, 2023, at the newly opened Epic Universe theme park.
The medical examiner’s findings detailed severe injuries sustained by Zavala, including a deep gash on the left side of his forehead, a fractured bony ridge above his eye, and additional trauma to his abdomen and limbs. The official report confirmed that he died from blunt-impact injuries.
According to the investigative report, Epic Universe staff adhered to safety protocols and were not found to be negligent. Surveillance footage indicated that Zavala appeared “engaged and well” at the start of the ride but was later found unresponsive and slumped over in his seat. Witnesses noted that he was bleeding from his face when the ride came to a stop.
Dr. Anna Marshall, who was in line to board the ride, provided immediate assistance after the coaster returned to the platform. She described Zavala’s condition as critical, stating that he was surrounded by blood and that his arm was hanging over the ride while his thigh bone was broken in two.
Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to a disability, had undergone previous spinal surgery and had metal rods in his back, as noted by his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles. Dr. Marshall expressed doubts that his physical condition was the sole cause of the accident. Zavala’s family emphasized that his disability, characterized as spinal cord atrophy, did not contribute to his fatal injuries.
The investigation revealed that Zavala had significant facial trauma and remained secured by a lap bar, which operators struggled to release for approximately ten minutes after the ride halted. Universal paramedic Sebastian Torres described the scene, stating, “The guest was stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of his seat, with legs inverted.”
Cruz-Robles recounted that a ride operator had to push down on Zavala’s lap restraint multiple times prior to their ride, raising concerns about the restraint’s positioning. She indicated that when the coaster began its descent, Zavala was propelled forward, striking his head on the metal bar in front of them. During the ride, he suffered additional impacts to his head, while Cruz-Robles attempted to hold him back but was unsuccessful.
The sheriff’s report highlighted that warning signs were prominently posted at the ride’s entrance, advising patrons against participating in the ride if they had certain medical conditions, including back or neck issues. Zavala’s parents informed investigators that he had previously fractured his thigh bone in 2020 and had undergone surgery for a hip dislocation in 2010.
The dual-launch coaster, which can reach speeds of up to 62 mph, officially opened to the public in May 2023, marking the launch of Universal Orlando’s latest attraction. The company has not publicly commented on the incident since the release of the sheriff’s report, and inquiries made to the media office of attorney Ben Crump, who represents Zavala’s family, have gone unanswered.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding ride safety and the protocols in place for guests with disabilities at amusement parks. As the investigation is closed, the focus now shifts to how such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
