The tragic incident involving Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man, has been deemed an accidental death, as confirmed by the final investigative report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
ORLANDO, Fla. — As Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park continues to draw visitors, the fatal roller coaster accident involving Zavala has become a focal point of public attention. The findings from the investigation into the “Stardust Racers” coaster incident have now been made public, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to the report, Zavala sustained severe injuries while on the coaster on September 17, including significant facial trauma and a critically fractured femur, which a doctor on the scene described as being “broken in half.” The investigation revealed that the ride operators adhered to all safety procedures and were not found to be negligent. Nonetheless, the report’s conclusions have sparked discussions about potential legal consequences moving forward.
The report also highlighted Zavala’s existing spinal and hip conditions, suggesting these may have influenced his unfortunate ejection forward during the ride. However, Zavala’s family has expressed strong disagreement with these findings.
In a press conference following the incident, Natalie Jackson, the family’s attorney, contested the notion that Zavala’s prior conditions played a role. “He had enjoyed roller coasters throughout his life without any issues,” Jackson asserted. “On that particular day, he had already been on several rides before trying the Stardust Racers.”
“He had ridden roller coasters many times before without incident,” Jackson said. “On the day in question, he rode rides before he got on Stardust Racers.”
According to investigators, Zavala’s longtime girlfriend told detectives that a ride operator pushed down his lap restraint several times before the coaster launched. But during the first major drop, she said he “flew forward,” striking his head repeatedly on the seat or metal bar in front of him. She told investigators she tried to pull him back but was unable to.
The family’s attorneys had long predicted that Universal would ultimately be cleared of wrongdoing — a conclusion they strongly disagreed with then and are likely to challenge now.
“If the park is going to take a position that he should not have been on the ride, then they should not have assisted him to get in it.” attorney Paul Grinke said earlier.
Zavala’s sister, Lisa Rodriguez, said the family’s priority is preventing similar tragedies.
“Whether it’s adding more restrictions to the ride, or just adding more restraints,” she said. “Just figuring out a way to make it safer.”
While the sheriff’s office says no crime was committed, legal experts say that doesn’t close the door — it simply redirects the case.
Local criminal defense attorney A.J. Alvarez, who is not connected to the case, says the findings mean the criminal investigation is effectively over.
“When they return to make the finding that there was no criminal activity or liability, that’s essentially telling the state attorney’s office they don’t believe there’s any crime,” Alvarez said. “Basically, this is the end of the road.”
Alvarez said sheriff’s investigators typically review all video, interview every witness and examine physical evidence before making such a determination.
“You owe that to that individual and the family,” he said. “To make sure you have looked into every possible aspect of the investigation before making any sort of finding.”
Still, he noted that the decision only applies to criminal responsibility — not civil liability.
“Just because there is no criminal liability does not foreclose the family from seeking civil damages,” Alvarez said. “This is most likely law enforcement saying, ‘We don’t find that there’s any crime here,’ and then handing off their findings for a civil lawyer to review.”
Universal has maintained that the ride’s systems appeared to function properly and that staff followed established procedures. The company has since updated its safety and accessibility guidelines, reiterating that the attraction is not recommended for guests with back, neck, or similar medical conditions.
We reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which declined to comment beyond the written report. The Crump Law firm, which represents Zavala’s family, has not yet responded.
