Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family, Universal reach agreement in Epic Universe Stardust Racers death: Attorneys

ORLANDO, Fla. - The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an "amicable resolution" following the man's death after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe, attorneys representing the family announced Saturday afternoon.

Through their attorney, Ben Crump, the family released a short statement on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 13:

"The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential. The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time."

FOX 35 has reached out to Universal for comment.

The announcement comes days after the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Orange County Medical Examiner released their reports on Zavala's death. Both determined that Zavala's death was an accident and that no criminal acts occurred.

Those reports provided the most extensive timeline to date of what potentially happened on the ride – from when Zavala boarded the coaster with his girlfriend, and what happened in the moments after the train re-entered the station. It also includes several summary interviews with the first responders, Zavala's girlfriend, and his parents.

What happened?

The backstory:

On Sept. 17, 2025 at 9 p.m., first responders and paramedics responded to Epic Universe's Stardust Racers roller coaster after a rider, later identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, became unconscious and unresponsive at some point on or after the ride. He was transported to the hospital, where he died.

Since then, investigations have been launched to determine what happened to Zavala on the ride. The Orange County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Zavala's death as accidental and said that he died from multiple blunt force injuries.

The ride was closed immediately after Zavala's death. Stardust Racers reopened on Oct. 4. 

What has Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's family said?

Kevin Zavala's family hired national attorney Ben Crump to represent them.

At various press conferences, Zavala's family described him as a theme park and coaster enthusiast who lived an independent life, despite a life-long spinal medical condition, which required him to use a wheelchair.

Zavala's parents asked for a transparent investigation into what happened – and why. During one press conference, they clarified that their goal was focused on the investigation and safety standards, and not to target Universal, the theme park, or to ask that Stardust Racers be torn down. 

"We're not here to tear Universal down. We're here to lift safety standards up. We're not against Universal. And we know people love the theme parks because Kevin loved them. We just believe every guest deserves to feel safe, no matter who they are, or whether they walk or even roll," his dad said in a written letter.

Local perspective:

Attorney Ben Crump represented the father of Tyre Sampson, who died in March 2022 after he fell out of the restraints of a drop tower-style ride in Orlando. The investigation revealed that the restraints on that ride were manually adjusted to accommodate Sampson's size.

The drop tower ride was ultimately dismantled. The Tyre Sampson Act was then passed by the Florida Legislature, which increased ride safety standards.

What has Universal said?

Universal has not commented specifically on the settlement with the Zavala family. FOX 35 has reached out.

The president of Universal Orlando Resort said in previous emails to employees, both obtained by FOX 35 Orlando, that her thoughts were with Zavala's family. Universal also said based on its investigations, the ride operated as intended the day Zavala was on it. 

Here is a portion of the email that was sent shortly before Stardust Racers reopened.

"As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss.  I am very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took 
place.    

As I previously indicated, our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout. 

Our extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials, and the State of Florida observed the testing and reviewed the results. In addition, the ride system manufacturer of record and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing and validated our findings. I am thankful for their participation throughout this important process.  

Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides."

What new details were learned in the reports?

There were several pieces of information learned in the various investigations into Zavala's death:

- The Orange County Sheriff's Office determined no criminal acts occurred and ruled Zavala's death was an accident.

- It took about 3–4 attempts to get his lap bar to give the "green light" to indicate he was secured on the ride. His girlfriend and a Universal employee noted Zavala did not appear to be in discomfort when the employee pushed further on the lap bar.

- His girlfriend told officials that Zavala hit his head on the bar during the first downhill. He then repeatedly hit his head. The girlfriend said she tried to hold him up, but could not due to the forces of the ride.

Read the full report

- Paramedics noted that Zavala had several injuries to his face and a lot of bloodloss. A doctor who was waiting in line for the ride ran over to help. She said Zavala's leg appeared to be broken in half, which shocked her. She believed Zavala was not alive when the ride entered the station.

- Kevin's mom had previously expressed concerns about him riding certain rides and roller coasters, according to the report, but Zavala did not listen to her concerns.

- Records also show that Zavala had other surgeries on his back and hip. He was taking medication for his spinal injury.