“Multiple blunt impact injuries” caused the death of a 32-year-old man riding the Stardust Racers dueling coasters at Epic Universe Wednesday, according to the results of an autopsy performed by the Orange County Medical Examiner.
The guest, identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, was found unresponsive after riding the coaster, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He was taken to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The autopsy was performed Thursday morning.
In a statement released through the Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Universal Orlando said, “We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
This is the first recorded death of a guest in Epic Universe since the park opened in May.
As part of an agreement to avoid major inspections, Florida’s major theme parks are required to report any death or a guest injury or illness that requires at least a 24-hour hospital stay to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
While deaths are rare in those reports, they have been most often attributed to pre-existing health conditions. One such case involved a 54-year-old man who died after riding Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 2017.