Epic Universe death: Ben Crump press conference | FULL
Attorneys representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, remembered him as a ?theme park enthusiast? and someone who lived a completely independent life. Attorneys and family said that Zavala, who used a wheelchair and was born with a spinal injury, did not have a medical emergency and was not under any medical restrictions on the day that he and his girlfriend were at Epic Universe. The family wants a "full and transparent" investigation, and wants the ride shut down until those investigations are completed.
Attorneys representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, remembered him as a ?theme park enthusiast? and someone who lived a completely independent life. Attorneys and family said that Zavala, who used a wheelchair and was born with a spinal injury, did not have a medical emergency and was not under any medical restrictions on the day that he and his girlfriend were at Epic Universe. The family wants a "full and transparent" investigation, and wants the ride shut down until those investigations are completed.
Ben Crump hired by family of man who died after riding Epic Universe's Stardust Racers coaster
The family of a 32-year-old man who became unresponsive and died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe in Florida has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them.
The family of a 32-year-old man who became unresponsive and died after riding a roller coaster at Epic Universe in Florida has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them.
Epic Universe death: State inspectors, Universal claim Stardust Racers ran normally before rider's death
Inspectors and investigators with the state of Florida and Universal said Monday that its preliminary investigation and findings have revealed that Stardust Racers, the dual-launch coaster at Epic Universe, ran normally, despite a rider becoming unresponsive and later dying at the hospital.
Inspectors and investigators with the state of Florida and Universal said Monday that its preliminary investigation and findings have revealed that Stardust Racers, the dual-launch coaster at Epic Universe, ran normally, despite a rider becoming unresponsive and later dying at the hospital.
Universal Orlando President: Stardust Racers at Epic Universe was in tact, 'functioned as intended'
The President and COO of Universal Orlando has issued a letter to team members following the death of a 32-year-old man after riding the Stardust dueling roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park.
The President and COO of Universal Orlando has issued a letter to team members following the death of a 32-year-old man after riding the Stardust dueling roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park.
Attorney: Stardust Racers could be closed for weeks or months
The attorney who represented one of the family members of Tyre Sampson, the teenager who died after falling off a ride at ICON Park, said it's possible that Stardust Racers, the ride at Epic Universe where a man became unresponsive this week and later died, could be shut down for weeks or months as multiple investigations are presumably launched into what happened. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night after riding the dueling coaster. A report said he suffered "multiple blunt force injuries." He death was ruled accidental.
The attorney who represented one of the family members of Tyre Sampson, the teenager who died after falling off a ride at ICON Park, said it's possible that Stardust Racers, the ride at Epic Universe where a man became unresponsive this week and later died, could be shut down for weeks or months as multiple investigations are presumably launched into what happened. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night after riding the dueling coaster. A report said he suffered "multiple blunt force injuries." He death was ruled accidental.
Incident report, dispatch audio released in Epic Universe rider's death
New details were released Friday regarding the death of a 32-year-old man after he rode the Stardust Racers dueling roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park. The Orange County Sheriff's Office released a partially-redacted incident report, as well as two brief audio files of conversations between first responders and dispatch.
New details were released Friday regarding the death of a 32-year-old man after he rode the Stardust Racers dueling roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park. The Orange County Sheriff's Office released a partially-redacted incident report, as well as two brief audio files of conversations between first responders and dispatch.
Tyre Sampson lawyer discusses Epic Universe death
A 32-year-old man became unconscious -- and later died -- after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe, the newest major theme park to open in Florida. An incident report said Kevin Rodriguez Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair. As soon as the ride ended, he was unresponsive, had a cut somewhere, and paramedics quickly began performing CPR. He was transported to the hospital, while CPR was still happening, and was pronounced death. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was listed as accidental. He was at Epic Universe with his longtime girlfriend, the report said. Questions have since been raised about the safety requirements for the ride and riders. FOX 35 talked with one of the lawyers who represented the family of Tyre Sampson, a teenager who died after he fell out of the restraints of a ride at ICON Park in 2022. That ride was ultimately torn down. It also spawned the Tyre Sampson Bill, which pushed for more safety regulations for rides and theme parks.
A 32-year-old man became unconscious -- and later died -- after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe, the newest major theme park to open in Florida. An incident report said Kevin Rodriguez Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair. As soon as the ride ended, he was unresponsive, had a cut somewhere, and paramedics quickly began performing CPR. He was transported to the hospital, while CPR was still happening, and was pronounced death. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was listed as accidental. He was at Epic Universe with his longtime girlfriend, the report said. Questions have since been raised about the safety requirements for the ride and riders. FOX 35 talked with one of the lawyers who represented the family of Tyre Sampson, a teenager who died after he fell out of the restraints of a ride at ICON Park in 2022. That ride was ultimately torn down. It also spawned the Tyre Sampson Bill, which pushed for more safety regulations for rides and theme parks.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala: Epic Universe guest remembered as 'truly one of a kind'
Family and friends who knew Kevin Rodriguez Zavala remembered him as "one of a kind," according to a statement posted to a GoFundMe page.
Family and friends who knew Kevin Rodriguez Zavala remembered him as "one of a kind," according to a statement posted to a GoFundMe page.
What is Stardust Racers? Epic Universe guest dies after riding dual-launch coaster
A man at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park died on Wednesday after riding one of the theme park's roller coasters: Stardust Racers.
A man at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park died on Wednesday after riding one of the theme park's roller coasters: Stardust Racers.
'Everyone get out!': Guest dies after riding Epic Universe roller coaster
A 32-year-old man visiting Epic Universe with his girlfriend became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters – and later died at the hospital, officials said.
A 32-year-old man visiting Epic Universe with his girlfriend became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters – and later died at the hospital, officials said.
Epic Universe guest becomes unresponsive, dies after riding Stardust Racers: Universal
A guest visiting Universal's Epic Universe in Florida became unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters and later died at the hospital, a spokesperson for the theme park said.
A guest visiting Universal's Epic Universe in Florida became unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters and later died at the hospital, a spokesperson for the theme park said.
Epic Universe death: Man identified, cause of death revealed; ruled 'accidental'
A guest at Epic Universe who died after riding the theme park's Stardust Racers roller coaster suffered "multiple blunt impact injuries," according to the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office.
A guest at Epic Universe who died after riding the theme park's Stardust Racers roller coaster suffered "multiple blunt impact injuries," according to the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office.
List: Florida theme park injuries reported so far in 2025
After a guest fell unconscious and later died after riding a roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe, the newest theme park to open in Florida, FOX 35 decided to look at the latest self-reported injuries report from Central Florida's major theme parks.
After a guest fell unconscious and later died after riding a roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe, the newest theme park to open in Florida, FOX 35 decided to look at the latest self-reported injuries report from Central Florida's major theme parks.
Epic Universe expected to bring $2 billion boost to Central Florida economy
Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park is projected to generate $2 billion for the Central Florida economy this year, according to an economic study conducted by the University of Central Florida.
Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park is projected to generate $2 billion for the Central Florida economy this year, according to an economic study conducted by the University of Central Florida.
Epic Universe buses catch fire near Universal Orlando, officials say
Two Epic Universe buses broke out in flames on Friday near Universal Orlando, officials say.
Two Epic Universe buses broke out in flames on Friday near Universal Orlando, officials say.
Halloween Horror Nights Scare Zones preview
Tharin White, Lead Publisher at EYNTK.info joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down the latest reveals for the new scare zones at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, Epic Universe staying open later starting at the end of the month, a new indoor roller coaster at Legoland Florida and the controversial Walt Disney animatronic that just opened at Disneyland California.
Tharin White, Lead Publisher at EYNTK.info joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down the latest reveals for the new scare zones at Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights, Epic Universe staying open later starting at the end of the month, a new indoor roller coaster at Legoland Florida and the controversial Walt Disney animatronic that just opened at Disneyland California.
Epic Universe files paperwork for expansion: What we know about what's coming next
Universal Orlando Resort has officially filed paperwork with Orange County for a major expansion project at Epic Universe. The expansion paperwork comes less than two months after the new theme park opened in May.
Universal Orlando Resort has officially filed paperwork with Orange County for a major expansion project at Epic Universe. The expansion paperwork comes less than two months after the new theme park opened in May.
Epic Universe: Stars attend grand opening and talk with FOX 35
Celebrities walked the blue carpet and fans lined up in droves to mark one of the biggest expansions in Florida theme park history.
Celebrities walked the blue carpet and fans lined up in droves to mark one of the biggest expansions in Florida theme park history.
Epic Universe opening fuels theme park rivalry in Orlando, around the world
Economic leaders say Orlando has become an unrivaled destination in the global theme park industry, and the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe is adding new momentum — and new pressure — to an already competitive market.
Economic leaders say Orlando has become an unrivaled destination in the global theme park industry, and the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe is adding new momentum — and new pressure — to an already competitive market.
Epic Universe opens to thrill crowds, with hopes of boosting economy in Central Florida
After six years in development, Universal’s long-anticipated Epic Universe theme park officially opened its gates Thursday, marking the first major new park to launch in Orlando in more than two decades.
After six years in development, Universal’s long-anticipated Epic Universe theme park officially opened its gates Thursday, marking the first major new park to launch in Orlando in more than two decades.