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.
Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights kicks off on Friday
Universal Orlando is kicking off its spooky season with the return of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) on Friday. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event, how to get tickets and what's new at the theme park.
Universal Orlando is kicking off its spooky season with the return of Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) on Friday. Here's everything you need to know about this year's event, how to get tickets and what's new at the theme park.
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.
Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2025 unveiled: Everything we know about HHN34
Universal Orlando is raising the stakes for its 34th edition of Halloween Horror Nights, promising more terror than ever with a lineup of haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment beginning Aug. 29 and running select nights through Nov. 2.
Universal Orlando is raising the stakes for its 34th edition of Halloween Horror Nights, promising more terror than ever with a lineup of haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment beginning Aug. 29 and running select nights through Nov. 2.
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.
Florida man sues Universal over alleged malfunction of 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' ride
A Florida man has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50,000 in damages against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging he was injured during a ride malfunction.
A Florida man has filed a lawsuit seeking more than $50,000 in damages against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging he was injured during a ride malfunction.
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit closing at Universal Orlando: Here's when, what might replace it
Universal Orlando has officially announced the closing date for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
Universal Orlando has officially announced the closing date for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.
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.
Epic Universe: What's next for the newest theme park?
Drew Smith, Drew The Disney Dude joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down the response online to the Grand Opening of Epic Universe, the current state of the park 8 hours into its first official day, and when we could see the next announcement from Universal Orlando Resort on what's next for Epic Universe. Universal's Epic Universe opened today in Orlando, Florida. It is Universal's fourth theme park in Florida, joining Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay. Epic Universe is home to five lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
Drew Smith, Drew The Disney Dude joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down the response online to the Grand Opening of Epic Universe, the current state of the park 8 hours into its first official day, and when we could see the next announcement from Universal Orlando Resort on what's next for Epic Universe. Universal's Epic Universe opened today in Orlando, Florida. It is Universal's fourth theme park in Florida, joining Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay. Epic Universe is home to five lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
Epic Universe: When could we see full capacity?
Matthew Miller, Senior Director of Orlando Informer joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live from Epic Universe to talk about the low crowd capacity on the Grand Opening Day of Universal's newest theme park, what could be next for the park, and how Universal Orlando Resort might ramp up the amount of guests until they reach full capacity. Universal's Epic Universe opened today in Orlando, Florida. It is Universal's fourth theme park in Florida, joining Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay. Epic Universe is home to five lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
Matthew Miller, Senior Director of Orlando Informer joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live from Epic Universe to talk about the low crowd capacity on the Grand Opening Day of Universal's newest theme park, what could be next for the park, and how Universal Orlando Resort might ramp up the amount of guests until they reach full capacity. Universal's Epic Universe opened today in Orlando, Florida. It is Universal's fourth theme park in Florida, joining Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Volcano Bay. Epic Universe is home to five lands: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.