Summary
- A 32-year-old guest, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe on September 17, 2025.
- The medical examiner ruled the cause as “multiple blunt impact injuries” and the manner of death as an accident.
- Deputies are reviewing the case under Florida’s manslaughter statute to determine if negligence played a role.
- The most important point: criminal and civil reviews can move in parallel; families may still pursue a wrongful-death claim even if no crime is charged.
A week after a guest’s death on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, officials say the ride’s systems “functioned as intended,” but the attraction remains closed while investigations continue. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is treating this as a death investigation under Florida’s manslaughter statute, which is routine when a death is not clearly natural. At the same time, the family has retained attorney Ben Crump and is seeking maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video. In summary, authorities are looking for any evidence of negligence, and the family is pursuing answers and accountability.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, became unresponsive during the Stardust Racers ride on September 17, 2025, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The chief medical examiner listed the cause as multiple blunt impact injuries and the manner as accident. The ride has been closed since the incident.
How does a Florida “manslaughter” death investigation work after a theme park fatality?
Deputies open a death investigation under Florida Statute 782.07 to determine whether any act, procurement, or culpable negligence by another contributed to the death. This “manslaughter” label is a catch‑all for non‑natural deaths; it does not mean anyone has been charged. Investigators gather evidence to decide if any criminal or non‑criminal negligence occurred.
Manslaughter (Fla. Stat. 782.07): The unlawful killing caused by an act or culpable negligence of another; classified as a second‑degree felony. “Culpable negligence” means a gross disregard for human life or the safety of others. (m.flsenate.gov)
Why is this case important for park safety and potential liability?
The most important safety finding so far is that both Universal’s internal review and state ride regulators said the coaster’s systems appeared to function properly. That doesn’t end the inquiry; investigators and the family’s lawyers still need to test whether design, operations, warnings, or guest screening were adequate under the circumstances. Universal’s written guidance warns that Stardust Racers is not for guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions—an issue likely to be examined closely.
Florida’s largest parks (1,000+ employees) are exempt from routine state ride inspections if they maintain full‑time, in‑house safety inspectors and file annual affidavits with the state. They must still report serious injuries and deaths.
How could negligence be evaluated in a theme park ride death?
Investigators and experts often assess:
- Ride design and restraint geometry (was the restraint appropriate for foreseeable riders?).
- Pre‑ride health warnings and guest screening (clarity and enforcement).
- Operator training, dispatch, and response times.
- Maintenance logs, sensor data, cameras, and any prior similar incidents. Best practices suggest reviewing both system performance and human factors; a mechanically “normal” ride can still present unreasonable risks if warnings, operations, or design are deficient. (apnews.com)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a criminal charge is required before filing a civil claim.
- Waiting for “final” state reports before seeking counsel and preserving evidence.
- Discarding clothing or personal items that may show blood, residue, or restraint marks.
- Relying only on the park’s statements; request underlying data where possible.
- Ignoring out‑of‑state deadlines; Florida’s statutes of limitation and notice rules may differ from Texas.
Joe I. Zaid & Associates is here to help if you’ve been hurt
Our firm represents victims of ride and attraction injuries, motor‑vehicle crashes, and other catastrophic events across Texas and, with local counsel, nationwide. We know how to secure and analyze maintenance logs, operational data, and witness evidence. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win. If you or a loved one was injured at a theme park in Florida or while traveling, our team can help you understand your options, meet deadlines, and protect your family’s rights.
