A man tragically passed away after sustaining severe injuries and being rushed to a hospital following an incident at a Universal theme park, as confirmed by the family’s legal representatives.
Kevin Zavala, aged 32, was on the Stardust Racers ride at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Florida when he suddenly became unresponsive. It was reported that Zavala, who had a pre-existing spinal injury, utilized a wheelchair prior to boarding the rollercoaster.
Following the incident, a medical examiner categorized his death as accidental after determining “blunt impact injuries,” although the specific location of these injuries remains undisclosed. Despite being taken to a nearby hospital, Zavala was pronounced dead.
The park’s safety guide indicates that Stardust Racers is specifically designed to assist individuals transferring from a wheelchair to the ride. Zavala’s family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, is seeking information from the theme park, including maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and CCTV footage to comprehend the circumstances surrounding his demise.
In a statement, Mr. Crump emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation and transparency in light of the tragic incident, stressing the importance of accountability and justice for Zavala’s family.
Conversely, Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, asserted that the ride was operating normally and all equipment was in good condition during the incident. She expressed the challenging nature of the situation and assured that safety remains a top priority for the park.
Zavala’s grieving family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses for their cherished relative. Describing Zavala as a compassionate and resilient individual who faced life’s challenges with grace and humility, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, with the fundraiser surpassing its initial target.
Overall, the tragic incident has prompted demands for transparency, thorough investigation, and safety enhancements to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
