Epic Universe Guest Died of “Multiple Blunt Impact Injuries”
Updated September 19
On Wednesday evening, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. According to an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Zavala, who was a wheelchair user with a preexisting spinal injury, received CPR next to the ride tracks. His girlfriend, who had accompanied him on the ride, was understandably too shaken to provide a statement.
Zavala was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Orange County Medical Examiner has ruled his death an accident, citing “multiple blunt impact injuries” as the cause.
On a GoFundMe page, Zavala is being remembered by friends and family as “an old soul—wise beyond his years—with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding.”
The coaster closed immediately following the accident and is expected to remain down while authorities investigate. Universal released the following statement on Wednesday:
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Zavala, his family, and the Epic Universe Team Members affected by this tragedy.
