Medical Examiner Rules Universal Orlando Roller Coaster Death an Accident in Stardust Racers Case
The Orange County Medical Examiner has ruled the Dec. 2025 death of Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala, 32, on Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers an accident, citing multiple blunt‑impact injuries and noting no ride malfunction or criminality.
- Ruling: Orange County Medical Examiner labeled the death accidental; the Orange County Sheriff’s Office found no criminal conduct. (Source: ABC News)
- Victim: Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala, reported as 32 in local reports (some national outlets list him as 35).
- Incident: Occurred the night of Sept. 17, 2025 on the Stardust Racers dual‑launch coaster at Epic Universe; investigators reported trouble securing the lap restraint before dispatch. (Reporting: WUSF Public Media)
- Outcome: Family reached an amicable resolution with Universal; authorities closed the criminal investigation. (Details: ClickOrlando)
Dateline
Orlando, Florida (Times Media Service) — The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the death of Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala an accident after a months‑long probe by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators attributed the cause to multiple blunt‑impact injuries, and officials said they found no evidence of criminality or mechanical failure. (Source: ABC News)
What happened on the ride
Investigators reconstructed the ride sequence using witness statements, security footage and emergency reports. Rodriguez‑Zavala arrived in a wheelchair and was assisted into the vehicle; his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz‑Robles, told deputies that a ride operator needed to push the lap restraint down multiple times before dispatch. (Reporting: WUSF Public Media)
Security video reportedly shows Rodriguez‑Zavala “engaged and well” at dispatch but slumped and unresponsive by the train’s return to the station.
Cruz‑Robles said that as the coaster crested its first hill and dropped he lurched forward and struck his head on a metal bar, hitting his head several times during the ride; she said she tried to hold him back but could not. (Source: Fox 35 Orlando)
When the train returned to the station, witnesses and a Universal paramedic reported Rodriguez‑Zavala was face‑down, falling out of his seat, with his legs inverted and still secured by the lap bar. Staff had difficulty releasing the restraint; a Universal paramedic estimated it took about 10 minutes to free him. (Reporting: WUSF Public Media)
Injuries and autopsy findings
The Orange County Medical Examiner’s autopsy documented extensive blunt‑force injuries, including severe facial trauma (a broken nose among other injuries), internal bleeding and a fractured femur described by a witness physician as “completely broken in half.” Investigators said Rodriguez‑Zavala was found unresponsive and contorted in his seat with significant facial bleeding and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The examiner’s formal determination listed multiple blunt‑impact injuries as the cause and deemed the death accidental. (Source: Fox 35 Orlando & ABC News)
Medical and disability context
Records and witness accounts show Rodriguez‑Zavala had prior spinal injuries and back surgeries, including metal rods in his spine, and did not have full use of his legs. Cruz‑Robles told first responders about his medical history; a bystander physician who assisted at the scene later told deputies she believed he was already lifeless before removal. That doctor also said the lack of leg function alone did not explain the severity of the injuries. Rodriguez‑Zavala’s mother had previously expressed concern about him riding coasters because of his spine history. (Reporting: WUSF Public Media)
Investigations, ride operation and findings
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a months‑long investigation and reported no sign of foul play or criminal negligence. Investigators examined the coaster and said it was operating as designed, though records noted earlier trouble securing the lap bar before dispatch. The ride was temporarily closed during the probe and later reopened after authorities cleared its operation. (Source: ABC News)
Universal and investigators emphasized that no individual was identified as responsible for the incident and the Sheriff’s Office closed the case after determining nothing criminal occurred. (Source: Fox 35 Orlando)
Family reaction and legal follow‑up
Civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump has represented Rodriguez‑Zavala’s family. Family members questioned whether his spinal condition and the restraint system were properly considered and sought accountability for the circumstances that led to his death. On Dec. 13, Universal Orlando announced an “amicable resolution” with the family and requested privacy; the company did not disclose settlement terms. (Reporting: WUSF Public Media & ClickOrlando)
About Stardust Racers and Epic Universe
Stardust Racers is a headline dual‑launch coaster at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest park. The attraction reaches speeds up to 62 mph and climbs to about 133 feet. After the incident the ride was inspected and later permitted to resume operations by state and local authorities. (Source: ABC News)
Implications for California
Economic impact: High‑profile incidents can affect public confidence in ride safety nationwide and prompt closer consumer scrutiny — which may ripple to California businesses tied to travel, flights and hotels that serve theme‑park visitors. (Source: ABC News)
Regulatory and political consequences: California leaders may review how out‑of‑state amusement ride incidents are tracked, how consumer warnings are shared, and whether additional oversight or guidance is needed for residents traveling to major attractions. (Analysis based on reporting: WUSF Public Media)
Social and disability access concerns: The case raises questions about accommodation of guests with disabilities and pre‑existing conditions. Advocates may press for clearer ride warnings, enhanced staff training on restraint fitting, and better pre‑trip guidance for guests with spinal hardware or limited mobility. (Reporting: WUSF Public Media)
Legal and insurance considerations: The undisclosed amicable resolution underscores how civil claims are often settled; California attorneys and insurers will monitor any disclosures or similar cases for precedent affecting liability standards. (Source: ClickOrlando)
Practical guidance for travelers: Californians planning trips to theme parks should review ride warnings and medical restrictions, consult physicians when in doubt, and contact park guest services in advance to understand accommodations and restraint procedures. (Reporting: Fox 35 Orlando)
Sources and further reading
- ABC News: No criminality found in Epic Universe roller coaster death
- WUSF Public Media: Man’s death on Universal Orlando roller coaster ruled accidental
- Fox 35 Orlando: Medical examiner releases detailed report on Stardust Racers death
- ClickOrlando: Universal reaches resolution with family of man who died after riding Stardust Racers
