Epic Universe Coaster Tragedy: Report Rules Accidental Death on Stardust Racers

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The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has been ruled an accident, and investigators say no criminal acts occurred, according to a final incident report released by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Zavala, a Kissimmee resident, was a wheelchair user born with spinal cord atrophy, but his family described him as independent and active—someone who loved spending time at Florida’s theme parks. That enthusiasm for coasters was part of what brought him to Epic Universe on Sept. 17, 2025, a day that ended in tragedy

What the Final Report Says Happened

According to the report, Zavala boarded Stardust Racers with his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles.

She later told investigators that it took multiple tries to secure his restraint properly. She said ride staff pushed down on Zavala’s lap bar several times before it finally locked, and she remembered thinking the bar looked too low—but she still believed he was secured when the ride dispatched.

Once the coaster left the station, Cruz-Robles described a horrifying sequence beginning on the ride’s first major drop/first hill.

She said Zavala lurched forward, striking his head against the structure/seat area in front of him, and then continued to hit his head repeatedly as the ride moved through the course. She reportedly tried to hold him back but couldn’t.

Cruz-Robles also described screaming for help while the train was still in motion. But because they were mid-ride, she said her cries weren’t heard until the train was returning toward the station.

What Employees, Deputies, and a Doctor Described at the Station

When the train arrived back, witnesses described a medical emergency unfolding in front of them.

The report includes accounts that Zavala was still held by the restraint and had multiple visible injuries, including significant bleeding.

One of the most graphic witness statements in the reporting comes from a medical doctor who was waiting in line for the attraction.

She said she heard screaming and moved quickly to help. She described Zavala as slumped over and unresponsive, and she attempted to check for signs of life. She also described severe injuries, including a traumatic injury to a leg, and said ride staff appeared stunned as the situation unfolded.

The doctor said that, “based on her observations, she felt the broken femurs had a significant role in the fact that Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was able to reach the metal bar in front of him where he … struck his head.”

She added that she did not believe that “just because Kevin Rodriguez-Zavala didn’t have use of his legs that that was the sole reason why this occurred.”

Zavala’s family also told investigators that he previously suffered a hip dislocation that required surgery, which they estimated happened in 2010. They further said he had a fractured femur about five years ago that also required surgery.

First responders and park staff worked to remove Zavala from the seat and restraint so life-saving measures could begin. The report describes a period of time spent getting the lap bar released and Zavala extracted, after which emergency responders initiated care.

Zavala was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead that same night.

Cause of Death and Official Conclusions

The medical examiner determined Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled the death accidental. The sheriff’s office investigation reached the same bottom line: accidental death, no criminal acts, and the case was closed.

Investigators reviewed evidence including sworn employee statements, witness accounts, surveillance footage, and the ride’s operating procedures.

The final report states that employees followed standard procedures and did not act in a careless or neglectful manner.

Questions Raised About Restraints, Accessibility, and Physical Fit

Even with a case closed, the story leaves unsettling questions—especially around guest fit, restraint positioning, and how a rider could strike the forward structure so forcefully while still under a restraint system.

Cruz-Robles’ recollection that the restraint took multiple pushes to lock, and that it appeared “too low,” is central to the narrative in the report.

The doctor’s observations about traumatic lower-body injuries add another layer, suggesting that lower-body positioning and stability may have played a significant role in how Zavala’s body moved during the ride.

Zavala’s family also discussed his medical history, including prior surgeries and earlier hip/femur injuries. While those details don’t determine fault, they are part of the broader picture investigators gathered while trying to understand what happened physically inside the ride vehicle.

Notably, the investigation materials described do not present a single, definitive public explanation for why the incident occurred—only what witnesses saw and what the medical examiner determined as the fatal mechanism: blunt impacts.

What Happened to Stardust Racers After the Incident

After the incident, Stardust Racers was shut down while the park reviewed the situation. The attraction later reopened.

Following the reopening, updated guidance and signage were reported, including clarified physical eligibility requirements for certain guests using wheelchairs or mobility devices, along with reinforced ride warnings designed to help visitors make informed decisions before boarding.

Family Response and Next Steps

Zavala’s family retained attorney Ben Crump and has continued pushing for transparency and accountability, emphasizing a desire to understand what went wrong and what changes are being made to prevent another tragedy.

At the time covered in these reports, the family had not publicly announced a filed lawsuit, but they stated they were exploring options and seeking further information.

Our thoughts are with Zavala’s family and friends.