ORLANDO, Fla. (Echosphere News) — In the wake of the untimely death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who succumbed to blunt force injuries on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, a number of individuals have come forward to recount their disturbing experiences on the ride.
Zavala's family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, has received testimonies from other park-goers, including a woman who claims she lost consciousness and sustained neck and spine injuries shortly after the ride opened in May. Her account, shared through a GoFundMe page, highlights the potential dangers posed by the roller coaster.
All we want is answers regarding my son’s death, Zavala’s mother, Ana Zavala, expressed through an interpreter at a press conference. We want these answers so we can be able to honor him... It is extremely difficult losing a son, and we do not wish this pain on anyone.
The dual-launch coaster, which debuted with speeds up to 62 mph, has prompted scrutiny from both the family's representatives and safety advocates.
Universal responded to the incident, asserting that their ride systems were functioning correctly and protocols were followed. However, the family’s attorney, Crump, is pressing for deeper scrutiny into the roller coaster's design and operational practices, as well as greater government oversight for large theme parks, which often conduct their own safety inspections.
Reports of injuries linked to the ride have been accumulating since its launch, raising alarms about the roller coaster's safety. Crump emphasized the need for park management to address these incidents seriously, citing the importance of visitor safety and preventative measures against similar tragedies.
The conversation surrounding amusement park safety is critical, particularly in Florida, where larger parks are exempt from state safety inspections, relying instead on internal evaluations. This situation may hinder the accountability mechanisms necessary for ensuring public safety.
As investigations proceed, Crump has called upon anyone who experienced injuries or witnessed Zavala's incident to step forward, underscoring the need for justice and accountability.
