Accidental Death of Roller Coaster Rider at Universal Orlando

Sat Dec 13 2025 19:44:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A sheriff's office investigation concludes the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala after a roller coaster ride at Universal Studios was accidental.

An investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who died after riding a dual-launch roller coaster at Universal Studios, has been closed, with authorities labeling the incident accidental. The ride's security footage revealed Zavala was engaged at the start but became unresponsive by the end. Despite the presence of a spinal disability, medical officials state it did not cause his death resulting from blunt-impact injuries.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios has been deemed accidental by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, which closed its investigation this past Friday.

Security footage revealed that Zavala appeared engaged and alert at the commencement of the ride, yet he was found unresponsive at its conclusion. Upon the ride's halt, he exhibited severe facial trauma and remained strapped in his seat, where ride operators struggled to free him for an extended period.

The guest was stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of his seat, with legs inverted, recounted Universal paramedic Sebastian Torres in his statement to investigators.

Zavala's girlfriend, who accompanied him on the ride, informed paramedics that he utilized a wheelchair owing to a spinal disability present from birth. However, the family's legal representatives have asserted that this condition was not a factor in Zavala's tragic death.

The medical examiner concluded that Zavala suffered blunt-impact injuries following an autopsy, categorizing the death as accidental.

The dual-launch coaster, which accelerates to speeds of 62 mph, made its official debut in May when the newest addition to Universal Orlando Resort opened to the public. The details surrounding Zavala's unfortunate incident have raised significant public concern regarding ride safety protocols.

The media office for attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Zavala's family, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the sheriff's report.