A man has died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Florida. Authorities identified the individual as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. The Orange County Sheriff's Office reported on Friday that Mr. Zavala became unresponsive while on the ride. He had a pre-existing spinal injury.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night. Medical personnel attempted to revive Mr. Zavala at the scene. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigations into the exact circumstances are ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe.
- Medical examiners determined the cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries.
- Mr. Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair.
- Universal Orlando Resort is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.
- Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster reaching speeds up to 62 mph.
Investigation into the Incident
The Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner, Joshua Stephany, confirmed the cause of death on Thursday. Mr. Stephany stated that Mr. Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. The manner of death was ruled accidental. Specific details regarding the location or nature of these injuries were not released in Mr. Stephany's statement.
According to an incident report from the sheriff's office, an Orange County deputy responded to the theme park on Wednesday evening. The call concerned a medical emergency involving a man who had become unresponsive on a ride. Upon arrival, deputies found Mr. Zavala was not breathing.
Fact: Stardust Racers
The Stardust Racers roller coaster is a prominent attraction at Universal Epic Universe. It is a dual-launch coaster designed to reach speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. The ride takes guests to heights of up to 133 feet along approximately 5,000 feet of track. Universal Epic Universe opened its doors to the public in May, making Stardust Racers a relatively new attraction.
Details of Mr. Zavala's Condition
Mr. Zavala's longtime girlfriend was with him at the theme park. She informed deputies that he had a pre-existing spinal condition. The incident report noted that Mr. Zavala used a wheelchair and was taking medication for his condition. This information was crucial for investigators looking into the man's medical history.
The Universal Orlando Resort issued a statement confirming its cooperation with the ongoing investigation. They did not provide further comments on the incident itself. Theme park safety protocols are often reviewed following such events.
Theme Park Safety Guidelines
Universal Orlando Resort provides a "Guide for Safety and Accessibility" for its guests. This guide advises visitors on ride suitability based on their physical abilities. It states that ride warning signs are placed at the entrance of each attraction. These signs are intended to help guests determine if a ride is appropriate for them. Guests are encouraged to review these warnings before boarding any attraction.
Family's Statement and Community Response
Mr. Zavala's family described him as a unique individual. They released a statement saying he was "truly one of a kind." The family has not provided further public comments at this time. The community has expressed sympathy for the family following the tragic event.
Incidents like this often lead to discussions about amusement park safety. Theme parks have strict guidelines for rider health and physical conditions. These guidelines are usually posted prominently at ride entrances. Guests are typically advised to consult a doctor if they have any health concerns before riding. This includes conditions affecting the back, neck, or heart.
Understanding Ride Warning Signs
- Physical Requirements: Many rides have height and weight restrictions.
- Health Warnings: Signs often caution guests with heart conditions, back or neck problems, or pregnancy.
- Motion Sickness: Some rides may cause dizziness or nausea.
- Accessibility: Information on wheelchair access and transfer requirements is usually provided.
It is standard practice for theme parks to conduct regular maintenance and safety checks on all attractions. These checks are designed to ensure the mechanical integrity and safe operation of rides. Regulatory bodies also conduct inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
"Universal Orlando Resort is cooperating with investigators," a spokesperson for the resort stated.
The investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Medical Examiner's Office will aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to Mr. Zavala's death. The findings will be important for both the family and the theme park industry.
This incident highlights the importance of guests reviewing all safety warnings before participating in theme park attractions, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions. The Stardust Racers coaster is a high-speed, high-thrill ride, and such attractions always come with specific health advisories.
