Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was known by his family and friends as someone who never let life’s hurdles keep him down. Even though he relied on a wheelchair due to a preexisting spinal condition, the 32-year-old from Kissimmee, Florida, met every challenge with grace and an unwavering spirit. This week, however, his resilience met a tragic end at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, after a ride on the much-hyped Stardust Racers roller coaster.
On Wednesday night, September 17, 2025, excitement at the park turned to shock when emergency responders were called to the Celestial Park area of Epic Universe. Kevin had become unresponsive while aboard Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that only debuted in May but has already become one of the park’s main draws. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, when first responders arrived, Kevin was not breathing. Despite the efforts of firefighters and Universal’s emergency team to revive him on a platform next to the ride, he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Joshua Stephany, the chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties, performed an autopsy the next day. His ruling was clear: the cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries, and the manner of death was accidental. No further details about the injuries—such as their exact nature or location—were provided in the official statement, leaving many unanswered questions about what happened during those fateful moments on the ride.
Kevin’s longtime girlfriend, who was with him at the park, gave deputies additional context. She explained that Kevin had a preexisting spinal injury, used a wheelchair, and was taking medication. This information, included in the sheriff’s incident report, painted a picture of a man who had already overcome significant health challenges. Yet, as his family later wrote in a heartfelt online tribute, "Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility."
The Stardust Racers ride, which Kevin boarded that evening, is no ordinary roller coaster. According to Universal Orlando Resort’s website, it’s a "breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph)," and rises to heights of 133 feet over 5,000 feet of track. As one of the centerpiece attractions for the newly opened Epic Universe, it’s designed to thrill—and, notably, to accommodate guests who transfer from wheelchairs to the ride vehicle. Universal’s safety guide also notes that riders must pass through metal detectors and that those with prosthetic limbs must remove them before boarding.
Universal Orlando Resort, for its part, has stated it is fully cooperating with investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. "We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones," a Universal spokesperson told Nexstar’s WFLA, echoing the somber mood that has settled over the park community. The resort’s Guide for Safety and Accessibility points out that warning signs are posted at each attraction to help guests determine which rides are suitable for them based on their abilities—a crucial detail as investigators try to piece together the circumstances of Kevin’s death.
The incident has inevitably raised questions about theme park safety protocols, particularly for guests with disabilities or preexisting conditions. Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Walt Disney World, are exempt from state safety inspections, relying instead on their own internal protocols. They are, however, required to report any injury or death to state authorities. Since Epic Universe opened in May 2025, there have already been three reported medical incidents at the park. These included a 63-year-old man experiencing dizziness and an "altered state of consciousness" after riding Stardust Racers, and a 47-year-old woman suffering a "visual disturbance" and numbness on the same coaster, both on separate days. In another case, a 32-year-old man reported chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
Theme park safety expert Dennis Speigel, CEO and founder of International Theme Park Services, voiced some of the questions on everyone’s mind: "Was it the head or the chest? Was he banging around? Was he in his seat properly? Was it an accident caused by the ride or him doing something?" With the medical examiner’s report offering only the cause and manner of death, these questions remain open, fueling speculation and concern among both parkgoers and industry observers.
Kevin’s family, meanwhile, has found themselves at the center of an outpouring of sympathy and support. In an online fundraising campaign, they described him as "truly one of a kind. He had an old soul—wise beyond his years—with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding." The tribute continued: "He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own." The family’s words have resonated with many, highlighting the personal loss behind the headlines and the enduring impact Kevin had on those around him.
The tragedy has also sparked a broader conversation about accessibility and risk at theme parks. While rides like Stardust Racers are engineered to accommodate guests who use wheelchairs, the complexities of ensuring safety for individuals with various medical conditions are immense. Universal’s safety guide emphasizes that each guest is responsible for assessing their own abilities in relation to ride requirements, but the effectiveness of these measures is now under scrutiny.
As the investigation continues, Universal Orlando Resort has maintained its commitment to transparency and cooperation. "We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation," the company reiterated in public statements. For now, the park remains open, with Stardust Racers still drawing thrill-seekers eager for the next adrenaline rush, even as the memory of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lingers in the background.
For Kevin’s family and friends, the loss is immeasurable. Their tributes paint a portrait of a man who lived courageously and selflessly, inspiring those around him to do the same. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic accident, one thing is clear: Kevin’s spirit will not soon be forgotten.
