Cause of Death Revealed for Man Who Died After Becoming Unresponsive While Riding Roller Coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe

Cause of Death Determined for Man Who Passed Away After Riding Universal Epic Universe Roller Coaster

The tragic death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who became unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, has been unraveled. Zavala was discovered unresponsive after his ride on the coaster on September 17 and was subsequently pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner, Joshua Stephany, disclosed that Zavala’s demise was linked to “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Stephany categorised Zavala’s death as accidental, as reported by local stations News 6, WFTV, and WESH.

The official statement from Universal expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended condolences to the loved ones of the deceased guest. The theme park confirmed their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation led by Orange County. Following the fatality, the Stardust Racers attraction was temporarily closed. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office had identified the victim merely as a man in his thirties, stating that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and no further details were available for release at that time.

Epic Universe, which opened its gates in May 2025, had introduced the Stardust Racers attraction that boasted speeds of up to 62 miles per hour while traversing a track spanning 5,000 feet. However, park officials are yet to announce a reopening date for the coaster. In their quest for more information, PEOPLE reached out to the Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner and Universal Parks USA for comments.

As theme parks strive to ensure the safety and well-being of their guests, unforeseen incidents like the one involving Kevin Rodriguez Zavala serve as poignant reminders of the risks associated with thrill rides. While roller coasters are designed for entertainment and adrenaline rushes, tragedies like these underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and protocols in amusement parks.

The untimely passing of Zavala has left a sombre atmosphere in the theme park community, prompting introspection and review of safety procedures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future. The investigative efforts by authorities and park officials seek to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Zavala’s demise, aiming to learn from the incident and reinforce safety standards across the industry.

With condolences pouring in from around the world, the tragic loss of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritising safety in leisure establishments. As investigations continue to unfold, the theme park industry remains vigilant in upholding the highest standards of safety to protect guests and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The aftermath of Zavala’s passing prompts a collective reflection on the responsibility of theme park operators and regulatory bodies to uphold stringent safety standards and protocols. The tragic incident underscores the need for continuous evaluation and enhancement of safety measures to safeguard visitors and ensure that theme parks remain places of joy, excitement, and, above all, safety.

As the theme park community grieves the loss of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the focus shifts towards utilising this tragedy as a catalyst for improving safety standards and preventing future accidents. While the sorrow of this event lingers, it serves as a stark reminder of the imperative need for unwavering commitment to guest safety in all facets of the amusement park industry.