The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who died after riding a rollercoaster at Epic Universe, has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump. This development follows preliminary findings indicating the ride itself may not be at fault in the accidental death.
Rodriguez Zavala suffered "multiple blunt impact injuries," according to the Orange County medical examiner. His death was officially ruled an accident.
Key Takeaways
- Family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has hired attorney Ben Crump.
- Preliminary tests suggest the Epic Universe ride functioned as intended.
- The medical examiner ruled the death an accident due to "multiple blunt impact injuries."
- Universal Orlando Resort and state investigators report consistent findings.
- The ride remains closed as a comprehensive review is underway.
Investigation Findings Align
Both Universal Orlando Resort and state investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have released similar preliminary findings. Their assessments suggest the ride operated as designed at the time of the incident.
Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Orlando Resort, shared some initial details with employees. She stated that all equipment on the ride was intact. Additionally, team members appeared to have followed established procedures.
"The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record," Irwin stated.
A spokesperson for FDACS confirmed these aligned findings. On Monday, the department announced that its current results match those shared by Universal. This conclusion came after FDACS monitored the same tests and reviewed the same information. The investigation is still ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.
Fact Check
- Victim's Age: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was 32 years old.
- Cause of Death: Multiple blunt impact injuries.
- Official Ruling: Accidental death.
- Agencies Involved: Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Orange County Medical Examiner.
Expert Insights on Ride Safety
Channel 9 spoke with Gary Deel on Monday. Deel is a hospitality professor and an expert witness with FC Consulting, a firm specializing in hospitality litigation. He provided insight into the typical investigative process for such incidents.
Deel explained that much of the testing and review of historical documents, such as checklists, has likely already occurred. He also noted that surveillance footage would be an important part of the evidence.
Investigators from the state have probably already examined the daily record logs for the Stardust Racers rollercoaster. This review would ensure that all required checks were performed before Rodriguez Zavala's death.
Background on Investigations
Amusement park ride investigations typically involve several layers of scrutiny. These include mechanical inspections, review of operational logs, employee interviews, and analysis of surveillance footage. The goal is to determine if any mechanical failure, operational error, or other factor contributed to an incident.
State agencies like the FDACS play a crucial role in overseeing ride safety and ensuring compliance with industry standards and manufacturer guidelines.
Compliance and Standards Review
A key part of the ongoing investigation will involve ensuring Universal Orlando Resort followed all operating instructions provided by the ride manufacturer. Investigators will also verify that the ride meets all established industry safety standards.
If all these checks confirm proper operation and adherence to standards, Deel suggested the ride could reopen within days or weeks. The final approval for reopening would come from the government agency overseeing the investigation.
"Generally the government in this case, FDACS, will sign off on the investigation having essentially cleared the ride," Deel said.
The closure of the attraction allows for a thorough and comprehensive review. This process involves multiple parties and aims to ensure public safety before any potential reopening. The focus remains on a detailed examination of all factors involved.
Impact on Epic Universe and Future Operations
The Epic Universe theme park is a significant new development for Universal Orlando Resort. Incidents like this can lead to extensive safety reviews and potential delays in operations for new attractions.
Ensuring public confidence in ride safety is paramount for theme parks. The detailed investigation by both Universal and state officials reflects this commitment. The park's future operations, particularly for the Stardust Racers attraction, depend on the final clearance from regulatory bodies.
The legal representation secured by the family indicates a potential for further legal proceedings. The outcome of the official investigation will be central to these developments.
