In the latest update to the story of a guest who died shortly after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, Orange County officials revealed the investigation into the incident is being carried out under Florida’s manslaughter statute.
Guest Passed Away After Riding Stardust Racers
As we first reported on September 18, a tragic accident that took place the night of September 17 involved a guest passing away shortly after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. The guest, later identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, had CPR performed on him inside the park, shortly after he was taken off the attraction. Zavala was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m.
An autopsy was performed, and Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties, stated that the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
Most recently, Universal sent a communication to Team Members thanking them for their work during this difficult time. Universal also revealed that, based on their internal investigation, Stardust Racers functioned as intended and the ride system was not at fault regarding Zavala’s death.
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.
Orange County Manslaughter Case
In a new article from local news station WKMG 6, it has been revealed that Orange County deputies are now investigating the death under Florida’s manslaughter statute, which reads:
The killing of a human being by the act, procurement, or culpable negligence of another, without lawful justification according to the provisions of chapter 776 and in cases in which such killing shall not be excusable homicide or murder, according to the provisions of this chapter, is manslaughter, a felony of the second degree…
Florida Statute 782.07
A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) also provided a statement, saying, “The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information.”
WKMG 6 notes that “no information has been provided at this time about any potential suspects in the case.” Both the article and the FDACS spokesperson also mention that the case is still being investigated, and additional information will “be released as it becomes available.”
Stardust Racers is a dual launched coaster manufactured by Mack Rides. Both sides have 5,000 feet of track and a maximum height of 133 feet. It reaches 62 mph. The height requirement is 48 inches.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Kevin, and his family is kindly asking for support to cover funeral and memorial expenses.
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