ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who succumbed to blunt force injuries while on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park, has spurred numerous individuals to share their own experiences related to the ride. According to his family's attorney, Ben Crump, people have reached out with troubling accounts since Zavala's tragic incident on September 17.
One woman claimed she lost consciousness shortly after riding the roller coaster when it opened in May and reported sustaining neck and spine injuries. Crump shared that she expressed concerns on a GoFundMe page aimed at assisting Zavala’s family regarding potential dangers linked to the ride.
We want answers regarding my son’s death so we can honor him and find peace, stated Ana Zavala, Kevin's mother, through an interpreter during a news conference. It is extremely difficult to lose a son, and we do not wish this pain on anyone.
The dual-launch coaster reached speeds of up to 62 mph (100 kph) when it debuted in May, and since then, concerns about its safety have emerged, along with multiple reports of injuries. In a previous incident in May, a 63-year-old man experienced dizziness, while a 47-year-old woman reported visual disturbances and numbness after riding.
In the wake of Zavala's death, the Orange County medical examiner declared the cause an accident and ruled it as multiple blunt impact injuries. Universal Orlando Resort’s president, Karen Irwin, reassured staff in a note post-incident that the coaster’s systems functioned normally and that proper procedures were followed.
Crump, however, remains skeptical, questioning Universal's accountability in addressing previous injury reports related to the ride. He cited a legal action taken by a central Florida woman who claims she sustained permanent injuries from a ride experience earlier this year. Crump urges for enhanced governmental oversight for large corporations like Universal and Disney, which currently conduct their own inspections.
Rumors are causing serious questions about safety protocols at these theme parks, Crump added, leading to demands for potential regulations on large recreational facilities. According to him, the park’s existing safety measures may have overlooked deserving scrutiny following Zavala’s incident.
With calls for witnesses and anyone harmed on the ride to reach out, the Zavala family seeks justice amidst tragic circumstances. As they navigate the heartache of losing a loved one, the case raises vital discussions regarding theme park safety and corporate responsibility.
