A Florida state agency says it agrees with Universal Orlando’s assessment that Stardust Racers was operating normally when a guest died after riding the coaster.
32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive during his ride on Stardust Racers on Sept. 17 and was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy performed by the Orange County Medical Examiner said Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
However, initial reports from Orange County authorities did not mention that Zavala had a “preexisting spinal injury” and used a wheelchair, with those details coming out from incident reports filed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and later obtained by local media. It is not clear whether his condition was a factor in his death.
In a letter sent to Universal employees on Sunday, Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin said of its initial investigation, “”Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures.”
In its own media statement on Sunday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said: “The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Zavala’s family is being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, according to a press release from Crump’s office. Crump’s past work in theme park lawsuits includes the $310 million judgment awarded over the death from a 14-year-old boy on the Orlando FreeFall drop tower.
In a statement, Crump said of Zavala’s death: “This tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency. A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account and fight to ensure Kevin’s family receives the answers and justice they deserve.”
Stardust Racers, which was named Best New Roller Coaster at the recent Golden Ticket Awards, remains closed for now.
Zavala’s family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral and memorial expenses, raising $26,000 in just four days, well beyond its initial $8,000 goal.