What happened on the roller coaster at Universal Studios Orlando?

A 32-year-old man died after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios Orlando. The death was ruled accidental.

Was the roller coaster death at Universal Studios ruled an accident?

Yes, the Orange County Sheriff's Office ruled the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on the Universal Studios roller coaster as accidental.

What caused the death on the Universal Studios roller coaster?

The medical examiner ruled the death was caused by blunt-impact injuries sustained on the roller coaster.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Roller Coaster Death Ruled Accidental Tragedy

Roller Coaster Death Ruled Accidental Tragedy

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Man died after riding high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios.
Investigation concluded the death was accidental; security video reviewed.
Ride operator had difficulty releasing lap bar after the incident.

Roller Coaster Death Ruled Accidental Tragedy

The death of a 32-year-old man after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando was ruled an accident, closing the investigation. Security video confirmed the man was "engaged and well" at the ride's commencement but unresponsive by its conclusion.

Witnesses reported the man suffered severe facial trauma and had a broken thigh bone. His girlfriend noted he had metal rods in his back from previous spinal surgery, though his family stated his disability did not cause his death. Ride operators encountered difficulty releasing the lap bar securing him.

The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be blunt-impact injuries. This dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 62 mph, debuted earlier this year at Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park.