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Rollercoaster Tragedy: Man Dies After Orlando Ride
30 Mar
Summary
- Disabled man died of blunt force trauma after riding Stardust Racers.
- Girlfriend reported ride restraints may not have been secure.
- Investigators ruled the death accidental, ride functioned normally.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who used a wheelchair, tragically died from blunt force trauma after riding the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Universal Studios Orlando last September. Released bodycam footage from the Orange County Sheriff's Office documents the critical moments as first responders arrived to find emergency workers performing CPR on Zavala.
Despite nearly 15 minutes of intensive resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator, Zavala could not be revived. His girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, told deputies that the ride's knee restraint may have been pushed multiple times and that Zavala, lacking leg support, could not remain seated properly, potentially hitting his head.
Initial reports from deputies at the scene mentioned Zavala bleeding from the head with a significant laceration. A doctor who attended to him reported seeing him "lifeless" and noted a broken femur. Zavala's family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, alleged the ride malfunctioned, causing him to strike his head on a metal bar. However, following an internal review, investigators concluded the ride operated as normal and officially ruled Zavala's death an accident.
