Family upset by reopening of Stardust Racers just weeks after rider’s fatal accident.
The parents of a 32-year-old man who tragically died after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe have expressed their outrage over the park’s decision to reopen the attraction just weeks after the incident. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster on September 17 when he became unresponsive. Emergency services transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Following an investigation, authorities determined that Zavala died from blunt force injuries, classifying the incident as an accident.
In response to the incident, Universal Orlando Resort conducted a comprehensive technical and operational review of the ride. Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Orlando Resort, announced that the review found no operational issues related to the ride’s boarding process or its operation. The results of this internal investigation were validated by the roller coaster’s manufacturer and an independent third-party engineering expert.
Despite this assurance from park officials, the decision to reopen the ride has drawn sharp criticism from Zavala’s parents. Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz and Ana Zavala have described the park’s actions as reckless and insensitive, stressing that reopening the ride so soon demonstrates a lack of regard for their son’s life and the well-being of future riders. They expressed their horror at the park’s decision to resume operations without allowing sufficient time for reflection and precautionary measures.
The family’s attorney, Ben Crump, has also criticized the rapid reopening, suggesting it poses a risk to public safety. He stated that other alleged victims had come forward with similar experiences related to the Stardust Racers ride, indicating that zeroing in on the reported incidents is crucial. Crump regards the reopening prior to a thorough examination by their experts as a form of evidence spoliation, putting profit motivations above public safety.
As discussions continue around the ride’s safety and the broader implications for amusement park regulations, this incident raises vital questions about safety oversight in the amusement industry. Public sentiment remains sensitive in the wake of this tragedy, and Universal’s actions will likely continue to be scrutinized as the focus shifts to ensuring the safety of all guest experiences in the future.
