The death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe has been ruled accidental, according to a report released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, 2023, found no evidence of negligence or improper procedures by park employees.
A medical examiner’s report revealed that Zavala suffered significant injuries, including a deep gash on the left side of his forehead, a fractured bony ridge above his eye, and multiple bruises. The report indicated that he died from blunt-impact injuries sustained during the ride. Witnesses described Zavala as being engaged at the start of the ride but unresponsive by the end, with blood visible on his face when the ride came to a stop.
Details of the Incident
Witness Anna Marshall, a medical doctor who was in line to board the roller coaster, provided an account of the harrowing scene as the ride returned to the boarding platform. She stated that Zavala was slouched over and surrounded by blood, with his arm hanging over the side of the ride. Zavala’s girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, who was with him during the ride, mentioned that he had metal rods in his back due to previous spinal surgery.
Dr. Marshall noted that while Zavala’s disability may have contributed to the incident, it was not the sole cause. The report documented that Zavala was still secured in his seat by a lap bar, which operators struggled to release for approximately ten minutes after the ride ended. Universal paramedic Sebastian Torres described the situation, stating that Zavala was face down and falling out of his seat when the ride stopped.
Cruz-Robles recounted that a ride operator had to adjust Zavala’s lap restraint multiple times before it was properly secured. She claimed that when the ride commenced and went into its first drop, Zavala was propelled forward and struck his head against a metal bar. Throughout the ride, he hit his head several more times, despite her efforts to hold him back.
Safety Measures and Regulations
The sheriff’s office report noted the presence of warning signs at the ride’s entrance, advising patrons with certain medical conditions, including recent surgeries or physical impairments, to refrain from riding. Zavala’s family confirmed that he had undergone multiple surgeries in the past, including procedures for a fractured thigh bone in 2020 and a hip dislocation in 2010.
The roller coaster, which debuted in May 2023, is a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 mph. Following the tragic incident, Universal Orlando Resort has reiterated its commitment to safety and thorough training for its staff.
The media office for attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Zavala’s family, did not respond to inquiries regarding the sheriff’s office report. The family’s perspective remains that Zavala’s medical history did not contribute to his death on that fateful day.
As investigations conclude, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of all patrons at amusement parks and the importance of adhering to health and safety guidelines.
