ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The recent death of a 32-year-old man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, while riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe has raised serious safety concerns. As his family seeks justice, they have been contacted by multiple individuals reporting similar traumatic experiences with the ride.
Zavala's tragic incident occurred on September 17, prompting attorney Ben Crump to hold a news conference where he announced that others, including a woman who suffered serious injuries soon after the coaster's May opening, have come forward.
Ana Zavala, Kevin's mother, expressed her heartbreak, saying, All we want is answers regarding my son’s death. We want these answers so we can be able to honor him. We want these answers so we can have some peace. It is extremely difficult losing a son and we do not wish this pain on anyone.”
The dual-launch coaster reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and has attracted attention not only for its design but also for the concerning reports of injuries. Crump has been vocal about potential oversight issues at large amusement parks, which like Universal, do not fall under state safety inspections like smaller venues do.
Documents reveal that since Epic Universe opened, concerns have been raised about the ride's safety. Notably, an internal investigation by Universal following Zavala's death concluded that ride systems were functioning correctly, but doubt remains within the community, particularly from Crump, who highlights previous injury claims as red flags.
With Zavala's family urging for thorough investigations, Crump has called for greater public accountability for Universal and other major theme park operators. The family is now appealing for more individuals who may have experienced injuries on the ride to step forward, underscoring a push for enhanced safety measures in the park.
Zavala's tragic incident occurred on September 17, prompting attorney Ben Crump to hold a news conference where he announced that others, including a woman who suffered serious injuries soon after the coaster's May opening, have come forward.
Ana Zavala, Kevin's mother, expressed her heartbreak, saying, All we want is answers regarding my son’s death. We want these answers so we can be able to honor him. We want these answers so we can have some peace. It is extremely difficult losing a son and we do not wish this pain on anyone.”
The dual-launch coaster reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and has attracted attention not only for its design but also for the concerning reports of injuries. Crump has been vocal about potential oversight issues at large amusement parks, which like Universal, do not fall under state safety inspections like smaller venues do.
Documents reveal that since Epic Universe opened, concerns have been raised about the ride's safety. Notably, an internal investigation by Universal following Zavala's death concluded that ride systems were functioning correctly, but doubt remains within the community, particularly from Crump, who highlights previous injury claims as red flags.
With Zavala's family urging for thorough investigations, Crump has called for greater public accountability for Universal and other major theme park operators. The family is now appealing for more individuals who may have experienced injuries on the ride to step forward, underscoring a push for enhanced safety measures in the park.
