New insights into the demise of a man who tragically passed away after riding a roller coaster have come to light recently. A 32-year-old individual named Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost his life after experiencing the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida. The incident occurred on Wednesday, Sept. 17, when Zavala was discovered unresponsive post-ride and was subsequently pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. The Chief Medical Examiner for Orange and Osceola counties disclosed that an autopsy unveiled his cause of death to be “multiple blunt impact injuries,” and his demise was classified as accidental. This somber revelation sheds light on a devastating incident that has left many questioning the safety protocols in place at theme parks.
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An incident report obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Zavala had reportedly been dealing with a preexisting spinal injury and had been undergoing medical treatment. Additionally, pictures shared on a crowdfunding page set up to support his family depicted him utilizing a wheelchair. Despite these distressing details, the GoFundMe organizer refrained from providing immediate feedback upon PEOPLE’s request for a statement. As emergency responders raced to the scene following a non-emergency call from the Orange County Fire Rescue Department, they encountered a harrowing sight. Zavala was found unresponsive, prompting CPR efforts, but unfortunately, he could not be revived. Subsequently, he was pronounced deceased shortly after 10:00 p.m. local time once he reached the hospital, according to the incident report. Remarkably, a deputy escorted his girlfriend, whom he had been in a relationship with for nearly a decade, to the medical facility as well.
Following this heart-wrenching occurrence, ongoing investigations have been launched by both park authorities and local law enforcement to ascertain the specifics of the incident thoroughly. Despite these efforts, assurances have been given that the roller coaster was operating within the expected standards. Universal Orlando Resort’s President and COO, Karen Irwin, relayed in an internal communique obtained by NBC affiliate WESH that their preliminary findings confirmed the ride’s mechanisms functioned appropriately. Moreover, NBC Miami reported that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services indicated through initial assessments that the roller coaster was in proper working condition. Notably, neither FDACS nor the Universal Orlando Resort responded promptly to PEOPLE’s inquiries seeking further clarification.
Throughout this challenging period, Zavala’s loved ones have painted a poignant picture of a compassionate and wise individual. Remembered for his boundless empathy and understanding, his absence has left a void that cannot easily be filled. An outpouring of heartfelt tributes and memories has flooded in, underscoring the profound impact he had on those around him. As the investigation continues to unfold and more details emerge, the tragic loss of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritizing safety in all aspects of our daily activities.