7 Shocking Details About The Tragic Death At Universal Studios Orlando’s New Epic Universe

The Universal Orlando Resort, a beacon of family entertainment and thrilling attractions, was recently the site of a tragic and high-profile incident that has cast a shadow over its newest development. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the most significant and recent fatality involved a guest on a brand-new, high-speed attraction at the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe theme park, an event that has sparked intense scrutiny over theme park safety protocols and ride vehicle design.

This article provides a deep, investigative look into the facts surrounding the death of a 32-year-old guest, detailing the official cause, the ride involved, and the subsequent actions taken by the resort. The fresh details from the official incident report paint a disturbing picture of the final moments, highlighting the critical importance of safety in the world of high-octane thrill rides.

The Tragic Case of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala: A Comprehensive Profile

The central figure in the most recent fatality at the Universal Orlando Resort is Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old Florida resident whose tragic death occurred after riding a new roller coaster at the Universal Epic Universe park.

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• Name: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
• Age: 32 years old
• Residence: Kissimmee, Florida
• Date of Incident: September 17, 2025 (Date of incident based on recent news reporting)
• Location of Incident: Stardust Racers roller coaster, Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort
• Official Cause of Death: Ruled accidental, due to "blunt-impact injuries" or "blunt-impact trauma"
• Circumstance: Found unresponsive on the ride vehicle after the ride concluded.
• Official Investigation: Closed by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, ruling the death accidental.

The Stardust Racers Incident: What The Official Report Revealed

The incident report, compiled by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the medical examiner, detailed the harrowing final moments of the guest's ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. This dual-launch coaster, a centerpiece of the new Epic Universe theme park, is known for its high-speed elements, reaching speeds up to 62 mph. The findings from the investigation revealed several shocking and crucial details.

1. Blunt-Impact Trauma as the Cause of Death

The medical examiner concluded that Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died from "multiple blunt impact injuries" or "blunt-impact trauma." This indicates that the fatal injuries were caused by repeated or severe physical contact with a hard surface, likely components of the roller coaster structure or the ride vehicle itself.

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2. Found 'Stuck on the Ride Vehicle Face Down'

Perhaps the most disturbing detail in the report was the description of the guest's position when the ride returned to the station. A statement included in the report noted that the guest was found "stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of his seat, with legs inverted." This graphic description suggests a severe failure in maintaining a proper seated position during the ride's intense maneuvers.

3. Girlfriend's Desperate Screams for Help

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Reports indicated that Zavala’s girlfriend, who was riding alongside him, screamed for help during the ride as she witnessed him fall partially out of his seat. This detail underscores the immediate and terrifying nature of the emergency that unfolded while the coaster was in motion.

4. The Ride Vehicle and Restraint System

While the investigation ruled the death accidental and did not point to a mechanical failure of the roller coaster’s restraint system, the circumstances suggest a complex interaction between the guest's body and the safety harness. The Stardust Racers coaster utilizes an over-the-shoulder harness system, a standard feature designed to keep riders securely in their seats throughout the high-G forces and inversions. The nature of the injuries and the position in which he was found have led to public speculation about the effectiveness of the restraints for all body types.

5. Universal's Immediate Response and Official Statement

Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the tragic incident and cooperated fully with the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The park issued a statement expressing its condolences to the family. Following the event, the resort confirmed it was implementing a "resolution" and updated its ride rules, particularly for the Stardust Racers attraction, to enhance guest safety.

A Broader Look at Universal Orlando's Safety Record

While the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is the most recent fatality, it is important to contextualize it within the broader safety record of the Universal Orlando Resort and other major Florida theme parks. Theme park accidents, while rare considering the millions of annual visitors, are subject to mandatory state reporting.

Recent Non-Fatal Incidents and Injuries

The state of Florida requires major theme parks like Universal to report any serious guest injuries that result in a hospital stay of 24 hours or more. These reports often reveal a pattern of incidents related to pre-existing conditions or the intense forces of the attractions:

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster: In late 2024, multiple guests were hospitalized after riding the VelociCoaster, one of Universal's most intense attractions. Injuries reported included chest pain and other physical ailments, which the park often attributes to pre-existing medical conditions.
• Reported Injuries in Florida Parks: In 2024 alone, a total of 46 serious injuries were reported across Florida's major theme park operators, including Universal, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and others. This figure underscores the inherent risks associated with high-speed, high-G theme park rides.

The Role of Ride Regulations and Inspections

In Florida, major theme parks like Universal are largely self-regulating, conducting their own inspections and reporting serious incidents to the state. This system places the burden of safety and maintenance directly on the park operators, who are motivated by both guest well-being and liability concerns to maintain rigorous internal safety standards. The closure and subsequent reopening of the Stardust Racers attraction, along with the updated rules, demonstrate the park's internal mechanism for addressing safety concerns following a major incident. Entities involved in oversight include the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), though their direct regulatory power over major parks is limited.

The Future of Theme Park Safety and Guest Responsibility

The tragic death at Epic Universe serves as a stark reminder of the forces at play in modern theme park design. As attractions become faster, taller, and more intense, the margin for error shrinks. The industry is constantly grappling with ways to ensure that safety technology keeps pace with thrill-seeking innovation.

For guests, the incident highlights the critical need to strictly adhere to all posted safety warnings, including height, weight, and health restrictions. Guests with pre-existing conditions, particularly heart, back, or neck issues, are repeatedly warned against riding high-intensity attractions. Understanding the specific risks of attractions like the Stardust Racers and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster is a crucial part of a safe theme park experience. The ultimate goal for the Universal Orlando Resort and its new Epic Universe is to ensure that the pursuit of a world-class thrill never comes at the cost of guest safety.

This ongoing conversation about theme park safety, ride vehicle integrity, and guest accountability will continue to shape the future of the multi-billion dollar Florida tourism and amusement park industry. The memory of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala now tragically intersects with the narrative of one of the world's premier entertainment destinations.