A tragic incident unfolded at a Universal theme park in Florida, resulting in the death of a 32-year-old man identified as Kevin Zavala. Zavala, who had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair, was on the Stardust Racers ride at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park when he suddenly became unresponsive.
Medical reports indicated that Zavala suffered from “blunt impact injuries” leading to his tragic demise, although the specific location of the injuries remains undisclosed. Despite efforts to save him, Zavala was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
The safety guidelines for the Stardust Racers attraction emphasize its design to assist wheelchair users in transitioning onto the ride. Following the incident, Zavala’s family has sought legal representation from civil rights lawyer Ben Crump to seek answers and justice for their loss.
In response to the tragedy, lawyer Ben Crump urged the theme park to provide comprehensive information, including maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and CCTV footage to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Zavala’s death. The family is determined to hold all responsible parties accountable and ensure they receive the closure they deserve.
Universal Orlando Resort’s President and COO, Karen Irwin, asserted that the ride was operating normally and all safety equipment was intact during Zavala’s ride. The theme park has temporarily closed the attraction for a thorough review process in collaboration with the ride manufacturer to uphold safety standards.
In the wake of the heartbreaking loss, Zavala’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses for their beloved family member. Describing Zavala as a compassionate and resilient individual who faced life’s challenges with grace and strength, the family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, with donations surpassing the initial target.