Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s Passing Shows Why We Must Do Better as a Community

I did not know Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, but I mourn his loss. No one enters a theme park expecting this outcome. I do not want to sound trite, but his family is in my thoughts and prayers. Theme parks are supposed to be fun, not deadly.

I am not an engineer or a doctor. I am a former special education teacher, mom of a profoundly autistic son, and (unfortunately) legal guardian for my best friend who had a stroke and is now a wheelchair user. I am not judging any decisions that were made. I make decisions for my friend regularly. Outcomes are not always predictable.

I would like to ask the theme park online community to extend grace to Mr. Zavala’s family. You might have missed a ride. He missed the rest of his life. We are better than we have been posting.

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral and memorial expenses. The fundraiser remains open for those wishing to contribute.