Medical examiner rules Universal Orlando coaster death an accident in Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala case; investigators find no criminality
The Orange County Medical Examiner and Sheriff’s Office ruled Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala’s Sept. 17, 2025, death on Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers an accidental death from multiple blunt‑impact injuries, finding no criminality or ride malfunction after a months‑long probe.
Key takeaways
- Cause and ruling: The Orange County Medical Examiner listed the cause as multiple blunt‑impact injuries and ruled the death accidental (see WUSF and ABC News).
- No criminality or mechanical failure: Investigators found no evidence of foul play or a mechanical defect with Stardust Racers (reported by ABC News and FOX 35 Orlando).
- Operational issues noted: Records show crew had multiple attempts to secure the lap restraint and later difficulty releasing it, but investigators did not cite criminal negligence (see FOX 35 and WUSF).
What investigators found
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office completed a months‑long investigation and closed the case after concluding the death was accidental and that no criminal conduct occurred, according to public records and press reports (see ABC News and WUSF).
Investigators reviewed security video and interviewed witnesses, including Rodriguez‑Zavala’s girlfriend, ride operators and park medics. Security footage indicated he was “engaged and well” at dispatch but slouched and unresponsive by the ride’s end, officials said (ABC News).
A witness — Rodriguez‑Zavala’s girlfriend — told deputies he lurched forward as the coaster crested the first hill, striking his head on a metal bar and hitting it several more times during the ride (reported by FOX 35).
When the train returned, witnesses and staff described him as unresponsive, bleeding from the face and with a contorted body; he remained locked in the lap restraint, and park staff — according to a Universal paramedic’s written statement — struggled for about 10 minutes to release the bar (WUSF; FOX 35).
Medical findings and cause of death
After an autopsy, the Orange County Medical Examiner listed the manner of death as accidental and the cause as multiple blunt‑impact injuries (blunt‑force trauma). The examiner cited severe facial trauma, extensive bruising, a broken nose, internal bleeding and a fractured femur (WUSF; FOX 35).
A witness who is a physician described seeing the thigh bone “completely broken in half” and said Rodriguez‑Zavala showed no signs of life before removal from the coaster. He was taken from the scene and pronounced dead at a hospital that night (ABC News).
Disability, prior medical history and the family’s position
Investigators noted Rodriguez‑Zavala used a wheelchair and had a history of spinal injuries and prior surgeries, including metal rods in his back, as reported by his girlfriend and medical records in the sheriff’s report (WUSF; FOX 35).
The family has publicly denied that his disability caused the fatal injuries and retained civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump. They questioned why he was allowed to ride given his medical history and have sought privacy as the matter progressed (WUSF; ClickOrlando).
Law enforcement and ride status
The sheriff’s office reported no sign of foul play and said no criminal charges would follow. Officials also reported no mechanical failure with Stardust Racers in their findings (ABC News; FOX 35).
Records do document operational issues: crew members needed “three or four” attempts to push the lap restraint into place before dispatch, and later had trouble releasing it when the train returned. Those issues appear in witness statements but were not escalated in public records to findings of criminal negligence or mechanical defect (FOX 35; WUSF).
Universal’s response and civil resolution
Universal Orlando confirmed a guest became unresponsive on Stardust Racers and later died; the park temporarily closed the ride during the initial investigation (ABC News).
By mid‑December, local outlets reported that Universal and the Rodriguez‑Zavala family reached an amicable resolution. A Universal spokesperson said the matter “has been amicably resolved” and the family asked for privacy; coverage characterizes the outcome as a confidential settlement with undisclosed terms (ClickOrlando; Blooloop). Ben Crump’s office did not respond to some recent media inquiries about the sheriff’s report and the accidental ruling (WUSF).
About the ride and Epic Universe
Stardust Racers is marketed as a headline dual‑launch steel coaster in Epic Universe, where two trains race side‑by‑side, reaching speeds near 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet (FOX 35).
Implications for Utah
Economic and travel decisions: Utah families often travel to Florida for theme‑park vacations. The accidental ruling and absence of a reported mechanical failure may reassure some travelers, but the case underscores the need to review ride safety rules, health restrictions and travel insurance before long trips (ABC News).
Safety and regulatory oversight: Utah tourism and consumer safety officials may watch for any Florida updates to inspection reports or guidance on ride restraints and ADA accommodations. The incident could prompt calls for clearer standards and transparent reporting from attractions both in‑state and nationwide (FOX 35).
Disability access and safeguards: The reports raise questions about parks’ screening of riders with disabilities and staff procedures when restraints are difficult to secure. Utah families and disability advocates may press for improved training and clearer, enforceable policies (WUSF).
Legal and financial impact: The confidential settlement between Universal and the family demonstrates private resolution is possible even absent criminal findings. For Utah families and businesses, the episode highlights the importance of liability, insurance and transparent safety standards (ClickOrlando).
Practical advice for Utah travelers
- Check official ride rules, medical advisories and park statements before visiting (park websites and news sources such as ABC News).
- Ask parks about staff training and accommodations for riders with disabilities; consult a medical provider when in doubt.
- Document medical histories and devices, and consider travel insurance covering emergency medical care and trip interruption.
Victim details
Victim: Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala — age reported as 32 in some local reports and 35 in some national coverage; see reporting by ABC News and WUSF.
Date and place: Evening of Sept. 17, 2025, on Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe park in Orlando (ABC News).
