Universal Orlando and state officials with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have both announced that the Epic Universe Stardust Racers coaster functioned properly regarding the death of 32-year-old Kevin Zavala.
Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the coaster on September 17 and died soon after.
State investigators have agreed that Stardust Racers worked properly,
“The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
An autopsy revealed the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Zavala reportedly had a pre-existing spinal cord injury and used a wheelchair. It is unclear if that factored into his unfortunate death.
COO Karen Irwin did release a memo to Epic Universe staff.
Dear Team Members,
In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one.
As you may know, on Wednesday evening, a Guest was unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, was transported to the hospital, and later sadly passed away.
Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, our Team Members, for the resilience, compassion and professionalism you have shown. I am proud of the way you supported one another and our Guests, while carrying out your responsibilities with care and excellence during an incredibly hard moment.
Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures. The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.
In the days ahead, please be mindful that this is an ongoing investigation. I ask that you continue to support each other and remember emotional support resources are available for you both in-person and virtually.
Thank you for living our values and the commitment you bring to our Guests and each other, especially in moments like this. Together we will continue to move forward with compassion, care and professionalism.
With appreciation and care,
Since the incident, Zavala’s family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is demanding “full transparency, including the release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage, to understand the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s death.”
Before this incident, two other injuries were reported. According to Universal, both injuries were related to pre-existing conditions.
If you have a medical condition that could become aggravated by an attraction, you should not ride it.
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