In brief
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios on September 17. The Orange County Sheriff's Office found the incident accidental, citing severe injuries. Zavala, who had a spinal disability, was reportedly engaged at the ride's start but unresponsive by its end. His family contends that his disability did not contribute to his death, as per the medical examiner's ruling.
ORLANDO, Fla. — A tragic incident occurred at Universal Studios where Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man, died after riding a high-speed roller coaster. Following an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, officials have ruled the case an accident, concluding their inquiries on Friday.
According to security footage, Zavala was seen 'engaged and well' at the beginning of the ride but was found unresponsive and slumped in his seat when it concluded. He suffered from severe facial trauma, remaining restrained by the ride’s lap bar, which operators struggled to detach for approximately 10 minutes following the ride's termination.
Paramedics noted Zavala’s precarious position in his seat, indicating that he was face down and almost falling out, his legs inverted. His girlfriend, who rode alongside him, informed responders that he used a wheelchair due to a spinal injury he had from birth. However, family attorneys have stated that this condition played no role in his death on September 17.
The Orlando medical examiner confirmed that Zavala died from blunt-impact injuries, classifying the incident as accidental. As a result, the investigation into the case has been officially closed.
Furthermore, Universal Studios highlighted that the dual-launch coaster involved reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and was introduced to the public earlier in May with the opening of its newest theme park.
The media representative for attorney Ben Crump, who is advocating for Zavala's family, has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the sheriff's office findings.
