ORLANDO, Fla. — The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who tragically died from blunt force injuries while riding the new Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, is not alone in their grief. In a press conference held by his family’s attorney, several others emerged to share their own alarming experiences on the ride since its opening.
Among those who reached out to the Zavala family is a woman who claims she lost consciousness and suffered serious neck and spine injuries on the same roller coaster shortly after its debut in May. Attorney Ben Crump confirmed that this woman sought out Kevin’s family through a GoFundMe page, expressing her concerns and prior experiences.
All we want is answers regarding my son’s death, stated Ana Zavala, Kevin's mother, through an interpreter. We want these answers so we can honor him and find peace — losing a son is an unbearable pain and we wish this on no one.
The Stardust Racers, known for its dual-launch systems and breathtaking speeds of up to 62 mph (100 kph), has reportedly been implicated in multiple incidents involving injuries. Crump highlighted how after receiving complaints from injured riders, Universal has a duty to address these claims proactively.
Not only has Kevin's family been deeply affected, but Crump has also filed legal actions on behalf of another woman, Sandi Streets, alleging she sustained injuries from violent head movements during the ride — also emphasizing a lack of proper safety measures by the amusement park.
Universal Orlando's initial response indicated that despite these incidents, their internal assessments showed that all systems functioned correctly at the time of the accident and that employee protocols were correctly followed. Yet, a forensic examination ruled Kevin's death an accident caused by multiple blunt-impact injuries.
In the wake of these events, Crump has called for stricter scrutiny and safety regulations for major amusement parks, pointing out that Florida's largest parks are generally exempt from state safety inspections, unlike smaller venues. As calls for accountability grow, Crump has urged anyone with related experiences to come forward to help with the ongoing investigation.
There were warning signs that something was wrong with the design of this ride, stated Crump, stressing the need for change and more stringent oversight over large entertainment corporations. The park continues to operate in the aftermath of the incident, while families seek justice and safety for future patrons.
