TRAGEDY ON THE TRACKS: Autopsy Reveals Roller Coaster Victim’s Horrific Injuries – But Sheriff’s Office Says Death Was Accidental
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, suffered a deep gash on his forehead, fractured eye socket, and multiple broken bones in the terrifying incident
- Medical examiner’s report shows Zavala died from blunt-impact injuries after riding the high-speed Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe theme park
- Sheriff’s office investigation finds that park staff followed procedures and were not negligent – but victim’s family disputes claims that his pre-existing spinal condition contributed to his death
- Graphic witness accounts describe the harrowing moment when Zavala was found unresponsive and slumped over in his seat, surrounded by blood
A shocking autopsy report has revealed the full extent of the horrific injuries suffered by a 32-year-old man who died after riding a roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s death was ruled accidental by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, but his family is disputing claims that his pre-existing spinal condition contributed to the tragedy.
Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to a spinal cord atrophy condition, was found unresponsive and slumped over in his seat after riding the high-speed Stardust Racers roller coaster on September 17. A medical examiner’s report shows that he suffered a deep gash on his forehead, a fractured eye socket, and multiple broken bones, including a broken nose and thigh bone.
Witnesses described the harrowing moment when Zavala was found, with one witness, Dr. Anna Marshall, telling investigators that she saw Zavala slumped over and surrounded by blood when the coaster returned to the boarding platform. “His arm was hanging over the ride, and his thigh bone was broken in half and resting on the back of the ride chair,” she said.
Zavala’s girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, who was riding beside him, told investigators that she had tried to hold him back during the ride but was unable to do so. “Javiliz was crying for help, but due to being in the middle of the ride, no one heard her screaming for help until the train cart was getting close to the station,” the report said.
The sheriff’s office investigation found that park staff followed procedures and were not negligent, but Zavala’s family is disputing claims that his pre-existing condition contributed to his death. “The guest was stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of his seat, with legs inverted,” said Universal paramedic Sebastian Torres in a statement included in the report.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of the roller coaster and whether sufficient warnings were in place for riders with pre-existing medical conditions. The park had warning signs posted at the ride’s entrance, but Zavala’s family claims that these were inadequate.
The dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 62mph, debuted officially in May when Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park opened to the public. The incident is a tragic reminder of the risks involved in thrill rides and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.