Tragedy at Epic Universe: Guest dies on roller coaster, autopsy reveals blunt impact injuries

A man has died after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers attraction on Wednesday and was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.The medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, Joshua Stephany, determined the cause of death to be “multiple blunt impact injuries” and ruled the death an accident. No further details were given about the injuries. “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” Universal Orlando Resort said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation.”Stardust Racers, described by the resort as “a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph,” was closed immediately after the incident on 17 September and has remained shut during the investigation. The ride, which opened with the park in May, features 5,000 feet of track and is one of Epic Universe’s main attractions.Industry experts have questioned the autopsy’s findings, with Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, saying the conclusion was “pretty shocking” and raised more questions than it answered.

“Was it the head or the chest? Was he banging around? Was he in his seat properly? Was it an accident caused by the ride or him doing something?” he asked.Epic Universe, the first major theme park to open in Florida since 1999, is Universal’s fourth park in the state and includes themed sections such as Super Nintendo World and the Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter franchise. Florida’s largest theme parks are exempt from state safety inspections and instead conduct their own, but they are required to report injuries or deaths.According to state records, three incidents have already been reported at Epic Universe since its opening in May, including guests experiencing dizziness, chest pains and other health issues on rides. The investigation into Zavala’s death is ongoing, with Universal confirming that it cannot comment further while authorities review the circumstances.