The tragic death of a 32-year-old man following a roller coaster ride at Universal Orlando Resort has been ruled accidental by authorities. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala passed away on September 17, 2023, after sustaining severe injuries while riding the dual-launch coaster at the newly opened Epic Universe theme park. An investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office concluded that the park’s staff acted appropriately and adhered to safety protocols.
According to a medical examiner’s report, Zavala suffered multiple serious injuries, including a deep gash on the left side of his forehead, fractures to his bony ridge, and significant trauma to his abdomen and limbs. The report confirmed that he died as a result of blunt-impact injuries. Witnesses described a harrowing scene when the ride came to a stop, noting that Zavala was bleeding and slumped over in his seat.
The sheriff’s office noted that video footage captured Zavala appearing “engaged and well” at the beginning of the ride, but he was unresponsive by the end. Dr. Anna Marshall, who was waiting in line, rushed to assist when the coaster returned to the platform. She reported seeing Zavala surrounded by blood, with a broken thigh bone visible and hanging over the ride’s edge.
Zavala’s girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, who was riding beside him, informed Dr. Marshall that he had undergone previous spinal surgery and had metal rods in his back. According to the investigative report, Dr. Marshall did not believe Zavala’s pre-existing condition was the sole factor in the incident.
Witnesses indicated that Zavala was still secured in his seat by a lap bar, which Universal paramedic Sebastian Torres reported took ten minutes to release. Torres stated that Zavala was “face down, falling out of his seat, with legs inverted.” Cruz-Robles recounted that the lap restraint was adjusted multiple times before the ride began, leading her to believe it may have been improperly positioned.
As the coaster began its descent, Cruz-Robles said Zavala was propelled forward, hitting his head on the metal bar in front of them. She attempted to hold him back but was unable to do so. “Javiliz was crying for help,” the report noted, but her pleas went unheard until the ride approached the station.
The sheriff’s office report highlighted that warning signs were posted at the ride’s entrance, advising guests with certain medical conditions against riding. These warnings included caution for individuals with “back, neck or similar physical conditions” and those who have had recent surgeries.
Zavala’s family disclosed that he had previously undergone surgeries for a fractured thigh bone and a hip dislocation. The dual-launch coaster, which can reach speeds of up to 62 mph, officially debuted in May when Epic Universe opened to the public.
As of now, the investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has concluded, with no evidence of negligence or carelessness on the part of the park’s employees. The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala continues to seek answers regarding the circumstances of his tragic death.
