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.
The risks of riding roller coasters
At Universal Orlando, there are requirements to ride certain rides, such as the Stardust Racers roller coaster. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz talks about some of the risks these rides could pose to people.
At Universal Orlando, there are requirements to ride certain rides, such as the Stardust Racers roller coaster. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz talks about some of the risks these rides could pose to people.
Epic Universe death investigation continues
A 32-year-old man visiting Epic Universe earlier this week became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital, officials said. The Orange County Medical Examiner said Zavala died from "multiple blunt impact injuries." His death was ruled an accident. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie has all the latest details in the investigation.
A 32-year-old man visiting Epic Universe earlier this week became unresponsive on one of the theme park's roller coasters and later died at the hospital, officials said. The Orange County Medical Examiner said Zavala died from "multiple blunt impact injuries." His death was ruled an accident. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie has all the latest details in the investigation.
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.
Death investigation underway at Universal's Epic Universe
Universal Orlando confirmed to FOX 35 News late Wednesday night that a guest at Epic Universe died after becoming unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters. A death investigation is now underway. Matthew Miller, creative director at Innovated Studios, joins Good Day Orlando to talk more about the theme park incident.
Universal Orlando confirmed to FOX 35 News late Wednesday night that a guest at Epic Universe died after becoming unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters. A death investigation is now underway. Matthew Miller, creative director at Innovated Studios, joins Good Day Orlando to talk more about the theme park incident.
Epic Universe guest dies after riding Stardust Racers
A Universal Orlando guest has died after becoming unresponsive at Epic Universe on Wednesday. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz fills us in on what we know so far about the "tragic" event.
A Universal Orlando guest has died after becoming unresponsive at Epic Universe on Wednesday. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz fills us in on what we know so far about the "tragic" event.
Paddlefish at Disney Springs robbed by goggles-wearing, masked man: Deputies
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating a reported robbery overnight at Paddlefish, a popular restaurant at Disney Springs.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating a reported robbery overnight at Paddlefish, a popular restaurant at Disney Springs.
Universal confirms future development for 'Lost Continent'
Universal Orlando has confirmed construction plans for the "Lost Continent," a land within its Islands of Adventure theme park. It comes after the closures of the Sinbad show and Poseidon's Fury. Universal did not release specifics, but confirmed there would be construction related to site planning for the land's future.
Universal Orlando has confirmed construction plans for the "Lost Continent," a land within its Islands of Adventure theme park. It comes after the closures of the Sinbad show and Poseidon's Fury. Universal did not release specifics, but confirmed there would be construction related to site planning for the land's future.
Lawsuit: Florida girl hit in face by rider's object while on SeaWorld Orlando coaster
A Florida family has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando alleging that their child was hit in the face by an object while riding one of the roller coasters at the theme park.
A Florida family has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando alleging that their child was hit in the face by an object while riding one of the roller coasters at the theme park.
SeaWorld Orlando's Howl-O-Scream
Now in its fifth year, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is unleashing a new wave of screams with unexpected horrors lurking around every corner. This separately ticketed event is built for the brave, featuring spine-tingling scare zones, menacing haunted houses and heart-pounding thrill rides in the dark. FOX 35's David Martin heads over to the theme park to give us a preview of the event.
Now in its fifth year, Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando is unleashing a new wave of screams with unexpected horrors lurking around every corner. This separately ticketed event is built for the brave, featuring spine-tingling scare zones, menacing haunted houses and heart-pounding thrill rides in the dark. FOX 35's David Martin heads over to the theme park to give us a preview of the event.
Busch Gardens' Stanley Falls Flume last splash on Sept. 7
After more than half a century, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is just days away from closing one of its original rides: the Stanley Falls Flume. FOX 35's David Martin hops on for one last ride at the theme park.
After more than half a century, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is just days away from closing one of its original rides: the Stanley Falls Flume. FOX 35's David Martin hops on for one last ride at the theme park.