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Attorney Representing Kevin Zavala Family Claims More Guests Coming Forward With Stardust Racers Related Injuries
The death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe continues to raise questions, as attorney Ben Crump says additional riders have now reported injuries on the attraction.
Zavala was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers on September 17 and was later pronounced dead. The Orange County medical examiner ruled his death an accident, caused by multiple blunt impact injuries. According to Crump, Zavala was unconscious for much of the ride and slumped over his restraints.
Related: Universal Orlando Settles in Stardust Racers Lawsuit After Guest Claims Injury
Universal has maintained that the coaster was functioning properly at the time of the incident. In a letter to team members, Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin said there was “nothing wrong with the ride” and noted that it had passed inspections.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Crump announced that other guests have come forward describing restraint issues, being thrown forward during launches, and striking hard surfaces on the coaster. He argued these accounts are consistent with Zavala’s injuries and show his case “was not an isolated incident.”
One such account came in a statement from a woman who claimed she was knocked unconscious and suffered a spinal injury on Stardust Racers in May. She said she warned that the ride’s “excessive speed launches” were unsafe. The statement was read aloud by Zavala’s sister, though none of the individuals alleging injuries appeared in person.
Related: Universal Being Sued as Guest Claims Injury From Same Epic Universe Coaster Involved in Recent Death
The Zavala family believes these reports suggest warning signs were missed and that Zavala’s death could have been avoided. Crump also criticized Universal’s prior injury reports to the state, saying they often cited riders’ pre-existing conditions rather than potential safety concerns.
Like many high-speed thrill rides, Stardust Racers carries posted warnings advising that guests with certain medical conditions, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, back or neck problems, pregnancy, or a tendency toward motion sickness or dizziness, should not ride.
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