A man died after becoming unresponsive on Universal Orlando Resort's Stardust Racers roller coaster at the Epic Universe park, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report and a medical examiner’s determination. Emergency responders were told the rider had lacerations, but on arrival he was not breathing and later died at a hospital. An autopsy by the local medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by multiple blunt‑force injuries.
The rider was identified in the sheriff’s report as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, of Kissimmee, who was with his longtime girlfriend at the time of the incident. The report notes Zavala had a preexisting spinal condition and used a wheelchair, and his girlfriend told deputies that he was taking medication. Zavala’s death occurred on the Stardust Racers ride, which opened to the public in May as part of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe project.
Joshua Stephany, the medical examiner for the Orlando area, reported that the cause of death was multiple blunt‑impact injuries and that the manner of death was an accident. The statement did not specify the injuries’ locations. Zavala’s family later described him in a posting as “one of a kind,” noting that he faced life’s obstacles with grace and resilience.
The Stardust Racers ride, described by Universal as a dual-launch coaster reaching speeds of up to 62 mph (100 kph), was designed to accommodate guests transferring from wheelchairs to the ride vehicle. Universal’s safety guide for Stardust Racers stated that riders pass through metal detectors to ensure no loose items can fly out and that people with prosthetic limbs must remove them before riding. Universal Orlando Resorts said it was cooperating with investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Maria Fernandez, who said she was on the roller coaster at the same time as Zavala, told WKMG that he appeared slumped over and bleeding when the ride stopped. The state’s regulatory framework for the largest theme parks in Florida places inspective responsibility on the parks themselves; they are not subject to the same routine state inspections as smaller venues, though injuries and deaths must be reported. On Friday, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said it had sent an investigator to Epic Universe. Department spokespersons emphasized Universal has been cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.
The incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny around safety procedures at major theme-park attractions. Universal and other operators emphasize rider accessibility and safety accommodations, including transfer protocols for guests with mobility challenges, while investigators review whether all guidelines were followed during Zavala’s ride.
Epic Universe, which houses the Stardust Racers ride, opened to the public this year as part of Universal Orlando’s expanded entertainment complex. Officials said investigations aim to determine whether any equipment malfunction or procedural lapse contributed to the incident, and they will consider Zavala’s medical history in context with the ride’s safety features. Family representatives have requested privacy while expressing gratitude for the support received from friends and community members during a difficult period.