ORLANDO, Fla. — A tragic incident at Universal Studios has concluded with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirming that the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala while riding a roller coaster was accidental. A security review of the ride indicated that Zavala was initially engaged at the start but became unresponsive and slouched over by the end.
Investigation findings revealed that Zavala suffered severe facial trauma after the dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds up to 62 mph, halted. Paramedics faced challenges releasing him from the secured lap bar for 10 minutes after the ride ended.
Zavala's girlfriend, present in the carriage, noted that he used a wheelchair and had a spinal disability. However, lawyers for his family clarified that this disability was not a factor in his death on September 17.
The medical examiner’s autopsy confirmed that blunt-impact injuries were the cause of death. Following these findings, the sheriff's office has officially closed the investigation into the incident.
The thrill ride had just debuted in May as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in amusement parks.
