Multiple people have contacted the family of a man who died from blunt impact injuries after riding a roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe and reported similar incidents, the family’s attorney said Tuesday, adding that the accounts confirm the tragedy was “not an isolated incident.”
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, became unresponsive while riding Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s new theme park on Sept. 17, officials said. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officials later said the manner of death was an accident.
But on Tuesday, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said at a press conference that the family is disputing the findings, citing accounts from other riders, who have reached out to the family “to talk about how they too sustained injuries from this ride.”
According to Crump, the injuries reported by other victims include problems with restraints and being thrown forward into hard structures while on Stardust Racers.
Zavala’s girlfriend, who was on the ride with him, said he was “thrown forward due to restraint issues.” Crump said. “Other riders’ stories align with her account, reinforcing the allegations that the safety systems on this ride were inadequate.”
One woman contacted the family to say she was “severely injured” after riding the coaster in May. She lost consciousness and suffered injuries to her neck and spine, the woman said in a statement read at the news conference. She also warned park representatives that other riders could be at risk.
“I told them they had a problem with these excessive speed launches and someone is going to get severely injured, or possibly lose their life,” the woman reportedly said.
Crump also criticized park officials for blaming Zavala’s death on his pre-existing condition. “Accountability and responsibility lie at the feet of Universal Studios Epic Universe,” he said.
According to the family, Zavala had a spinal disability from birth and used a wheelchair.
But if Universal believed people with disabilities should ride Stardust Racers, “then why would you assist him in getting on the roller coaster?” he said. “Now you can’t justify this by trying to blame the victim.”
With News Wire Services
