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Family Retains Attorney After Epic Universe Stardust Racers Death; State Says Ride Was Operating Normally
A tragic story out of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe just took a major turn. The family of 32-year-old Kevin Rodríguez Zavala, who died after riding Stardust Racers on September 17, 2025, has retained nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump to seek “full transparency” about what happened on the dual-launch coaster in Celestial Park.
Related: Manslaughter Investigation Opened in Epic Universe Coaster Death
Crump says the family wants maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video to understand the circumstances surrounding Rodríguez Zavala’s death. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental, citing “multiple blunt force injuries.”
In a memo to Universal Orlando team members, resort president Karen Irwin said internal findings show the coaster’s systems “functioned as intended,” equipment was intact from dispatch to station return, and procedures were followed. State investigators with Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services say their current findings align with Universal’s assessment while the investigation continues. Stardust Racers remains closed during a comprehensive review with the manufacturer.
Reports also note that Rodríguez Zavala had a preexisting spinal condition and used a wheelchair; authorities have not stated whether those factors contributed. The ongoing investigations include reviews by state regulators and local law enforcement.
Stardust Racers, which opened with Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, is a high-speed, twin-track racing coaster that can hit speeds up to 62 mph. Universal closed the attraction following the September 17 incident and has not announced a reopening date.
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