A recent incident report has provided new details surrounding the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was found unresponsive on a roller coaster at Epic Universe. The report, released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, indicates Mr. Rodriguez Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and was taking medication at the time of the event. His death has been ruled an accident, caused by multiple blunt impact injuries.
Emergency services responded to the scene on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, finding Mr. Rodriguez Zavala in distress. The medical examiner's findings point to the severity of the injuries sustained, though the exact sequence of events leading to his condition remains under investigation. The community has shown significant support for his family during this difficult time.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after being found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe.
- The medical examiner ruled his death an accident due to multiple blunt impact injuries.
- An incident report revealed he had a pre-existing spinal injury and was taking an unspecified medication.
- His girlfriend was present on the ride and was unable to provide a statement due to distress.
- The Stardust Racers attraction remains closed as the investigation continues.
Incident Details Emerge from Official Report
The Orange County Sheriff's Office released an incident report on Friday, September 19, 2025, detailing the initial response to the emergency. According to the report, a deputy arrived at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival, Orange County Fire Rescue and Universal Orlando Health Services personnel were already performing CPR on Mr. Rodriguez Zavala.
He was found unresponsive "directly parallel to the ride tracks" of the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The report confirms that Mr. Rodriguez Zavala was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 10:00 p.m. that evening.
Key Facts
- Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32 years old.
- Attraction: Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe.
- Date of Incident: Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
- Cause of Death: Multiple blunt impact injuries, ruled an accident.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Spinal injury, undisclosed medication.
Circumstances on the Ride
The incident report also noted that Mr. Rodriguez Zavala's girlfriend, who had been with him for approximately ten years, was on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the time of the incident. She was described as "visibly shaken" and experiencing panic attacks, which prevented her from providing a written statement to authorities.
This detail highlights the immediate emotional impact of the event on those present. The report did not specify the type of medication Mr. Rodriguez Zavala was taking, as that information was redacted.
Medical Examiner's Findings and Unanswered Questions
The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's office confirmed that Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's death was caused by multiple blunt impact injuries. The ruling of "accident" suggests that the injuries were not intentionally inflicted. However, the exact mechanism by which these injuries occurred while on the roller coaster is still unclear.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, an emergency medicine physician in Central Florida, commented on the complexity of determining the precise timeline of events. "One of the biggest questions that we don't know at this time is what happened first, the unresponsive nature, or if the blunt trauma caused him to be unresponsive," Dr. Bahl stated. "And that's going to be a little bit harder for the medical examiners to really determine."
Background on Epic Universe
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort's upcoming fourth theme park, currently under construction. It is designed to feature multiple themed lands, including Super Nintendo World. The Stardust Racers roller coaster is one of its highly anticipated attractions. The park is expected to open in 2025, making this incident a significant event during its pre-opening phase.
The presence of a pre-existing spinal injury and medication raises additional questions about ride safety protocols and individual health considerations. Amusement parks typically have strict guidelines and warnings regarding ride participation for individuals with certain medical conditions. It is not yet known if these conditions played a direct role in the tragic outcome.
Remembering Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family has shared heartfelt tributes, remembering him as a "beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend." They described him as a person who consistently made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and support others, even when facing his own challenges.
Family photos show Kevin enjoying various theme parks, including Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. These images also show him using a wheelchair, underscoring his resilience.
"Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility," his family wrote.
His family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover unexpected funeral and memorial expenses. By Friday afternoon, the fundraiser had already exceeded $10,000, demonstrating a wide outpouring of community support. The family expressed that Kevin's "presence lit up every room, and his absence leaves a space no one can fill."
Ongoing Investigation and Park Status
As of the latest reports, the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe remains closed. This closure is part of the ongoing investigation into the incident. The Orange County Sheriff's Office continues its work to understand the full circumstances surrounding Mr. Rodriguez Zavala's death.
The incident has drawn significant attention, especially given that Epic Universe is still under construction and expected to open in 2025. Such events can prompt reviews of safety procedures and emergency response protocols within the amusement park industry.
The community continues to monitor developments, awaiting further information from authorities. The focus remains on both the investigation's findings and supporting Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family through their profound loss.
