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Orange County Sheriff’s Office Initiates Manslaughter Investigation After Guest Death at Epic Universe
The tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Zavala after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is now being investigated under Florida’s manslaughter statute.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that the case is being handled as a manslaughter investigation, which is standard protocol in any accidental or unexplained death, according to reporting by Orlando News 6. Florida Statute 782.07 defines manslaughter as the unlawful killing of a human being caused by culpable negligence. Investigators are tasked with determining whether negligence — criminal or otherwise — played a role.
A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office clarified the process: “This is a death investigation. In cases which appear at first glance to be accidental deaths — which this case does — detectives must determine whether there is any negligence, whether criminal or non-criminal. Manslaughter is just the name of the catch-all statute covering deaths that are not natural. Through their investigation, detectives attempt to figure out IF there is any culpable negligence or a crime that occurred.”
Zavala, who had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair, was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers last week and later died at the hospital. The medical examiner ruled his cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries, with the manner of death listed as accidental.
Attorney Ben Crump has since been retained by Zavala’s family. His office is calling for the release of maintenance logs, inspection reports, ride data, and video footage, stating that “this tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency.”
Related: Identified Guest Died of “Multiple Blunt Impact Injuries” After Riding Epic Universe Stardust Racers
Universal Orlando Resort has maintained that Stardust Racers was functioning properly, with President Karen Irwin telling employees the ride “operated as intended” and that safety remains the park’s top priority. The attraction remains closed with no announced reopening timeline.
While the investigation continues, officials emphasize that a manslaughter review is part of due diligence in such cases and does not automatically imply wrongdoing. Detectives will follow the evidence before determining whether negligence or a crime occurred.
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