The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man, following a ride on a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park has been ruled an accident. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office concluded its investigation, stating that safety protocols were followed and no negligence was involved.
On September 17, 2023, Zavala sustained severe injuries during the ride, including a deep gash to the left side of his forehead, a fractured bony ridge above his eye, and multiple bruises across his body. The medical examiner determined that he died from blunt-impact injuries. The report detailed that he had also incurred fractures to his nose and right thigh bone.
Witnesses described a troubling scene when the ride concluded. Security footage revealed Zavala appeared engaged at the onset of the ride, but became unresponsive by the end. Witnesses reported that he was bleeding from the face, slumped over in his seat, and required assistance to be freed from the ride. Anna Marshall, a medical doctor who witnessed the incident, noted that Zavala was surrounded by blood and had serious injuries when the coaster returned to the boarding platform.
Zavala, who utilized a wheelchair due to a pre-existing condition, had undergone spinal surgery and had metal rods in his back. His girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, who was seated beside him, recounted that the lap restraint had to be adjusted multiple times before the ride began, raising concerns about its safety. During the initial drop of the coaster, she stated that Zavala was thrown forward, striking his head against a metal bar.
Despite her attempts to hold him back during the ride, Cruz-Robles said she was unable to prevent further impacts. She reported crying for help, but it was only as the ride was nearing its station that assistance arrived.
The sheriff’s office noted that warning signs were posted at the ride’s entrance, advising patrons against participation if they had certain physical conditions, including recent surgeries. Zavala’s family maintained that his disability did not contribute to his death, emphasizing the nature of the injuries he sustained during the ride.
The dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 62 mph, officially opened in May 2023. The closure of the investigation by the sheriff’s office confirms that the ride operators acted appropriately and that no external factors contributed to the tragic accident.
As the family navigates this difficult time, their attorney, Ben Crump, has yet to comment on the sheriff’s report. The incident raises ongoing discussions about safety protocols and passenger health assessments at amusement parks, particularly concerning individuals with prior medical conditions.
