Family wants answers after Stardust Racers death
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. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest updates in the ongoing death investigation.
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. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest updates in the ongoing death investigation.
Epic Universe death: Kevin Zavala's family talk
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's sisters and brother remembered his during a press conference with attorney Ben Crump in Orlando on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, one week after Zavala became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala later died at the hospital. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries," and ruled his death an accident.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's sisters and brother remembered his during a press conference with attorney Ben Crump in Orlando on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, one week after Zavala became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala later died at the hospital. The Medical Examiner said he died from "multiple blunt force injuries," and ruled his death an accident.
Epic Universe death: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's parents talk
The parents of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala talked at a press conference alongside Attorney Ben Crump about the death of their son after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala became unresponsive on the ride and was taken to the hospital where he died. He died from "multiple blunt force injuries," the Medical Examiner said. His death was ruled an accident.
The parents of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala talked at a press conference alongside Attorney Ben Crump about the death of their son after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala became unresponsive on the ride and was taken to the hospital where he died. He died from "multiple blunt force injuries," the Medical Examiner said. His death was ruled an accident.
Epic Universe, Stardust Racers death: 'We have to know what happened,' Attorney Ben Crump
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 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.
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.
Epic Universe death: Attorney Ben Crump speaks
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. During the event, Crump spoke about who Zavala was and how tragic his death was.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. During the event, Crump spoke about who Zavala was and how tragic his death was.
Epic Universe death: Attorney Natalie Jackson speaks
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. During the event, Natalie Jackson, co-director of litigation with the Ben Crump Law Firm, helped to answer some questions about the death investigation.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala held a press conference on Wednesday afternoon in Orlando. During the event, Natalie Jackson, co-director of litigation with the Ben Crump Law Firm, helped to answer some questions about the death investigation.
Family's attorney to give update on roller coaster death
Attorney Ben Crump will give an update on Wednesday related to the death case of 32-year-old Kevin Rodr?guez Zavala. Zavala died last week from "multiple blunt force injuries," the Orange County medical examiner said, ruling his death accidental. His family is now "seeking full transparency" from the Florida theme park.
Attorney Ben Crump will give an update on Wednesday related to the death case of 32-year-old Kevin Rodr?guez Zavala. Zavala died last week from "multiple blunt force injuries," the Orange County medical examiner said, ruling his death accidental. His family is now "seeking full transparency" from the Florida theme park.
Family hires attorney after Orlando roller coaster death
The family of Kevin Zavala has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump in light of Zavala's death. They're demanding transparency into what happened. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest details in the ongoing Epic Universe death investigation.
The family of Kevin Zavala has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump in light of Zavala's death. They're demanding transparency into what happened. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz shares the latest details in the ongoing Epic Universe death investigation.
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.
Epic Universe death: Tyre Sampson attorney weighs in
A 32-year-old man died last week after becoming unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe in Orlando. FOX 35 News Anchor Ryan Elijah speaks with Michael Haggard, the lawyer representing Tyre Sampson's family, more about the death investigation. Tyre is the 14-year-old boy who died riding the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park.
A 32-year-old man died last week after becoming unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers dueling coaster at Epic Universe in Orlando. FOX 35 News Anchor Ryan Elijah speaks with Michael Haggard, the lawyer representing Tyre Sampson's family, more about the death investigation. Tyre is the 14-year-old boy who died riding the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park.
Universal president issues letter after guest's death
A letter was sent out to employees from the Universal Orlando president following the death of a guest last week after riding an Epic Universe ride. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz tells us more about what the letter said.
A letter was sent out to employees from the Universal Orlando president following the death of a guest last week after riding an Epic Universe ride. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz tells us more about what the letter said.
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.
Reported injuries at Florida theme parks
When 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 News decided to look at the latest self-reported injuries report from Central Florida's major theme parks. Here's what we found.
When 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 News decided to look at the latest self-reported injuries report from Central Florida's major theme parks. Here's what we found.
Doctor discusses risks of riding roller coasters
A man visiting Epic Universe with his girlfriend became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital earlier this week. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. Dr. Gayatri Patel, of AdventHealth, joins Good Day Orlando to talk about some of the risks surrounding riding roller coasters.
A man visiting Epic Universe with his girlfriend became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital earlier this week. The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. Dr. Gayatri Patel, of AdventHealth, joins Good Day Orlando to talk about some of the risks surrounding riding roller coasters.