Famous civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing the family of the guest who died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe.
Crump held a public news conference today (Wednesday 24th September, 2025), detailing the investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.
PREVIOUS ARTICLE: Guest Who Died After Found Unresponsive on Stardust Racers Fully Independent and Theme Park Enthusiast [Update]
Even though Zavala used a wheelchair, Crump said that was not the cause of his death. Crump said, “He was just fine.”
According to Crump, Zavala was assisted in getting onto Stardust Racers by Team Members, who never stated that he wasn’t allowed to ride the roller coaster.
Crump said it would be an insult to suggest that his disability is what caused him to die. He also said that Zavala didn’t have a medical emergency.
Although Universal Orlando officials said the ride “functioned as intended”, Crump said that doesn’t mean there are no safety issues.
Crump said some are suggesting. Zavala’s death was due to preexisting condition; however, his cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries. At this time, it’s being considered an accident, according to Orange County Medical Examiner’s office.
“Don’t tell me about preexisting injuries, because blunt force trauma is not preexisting injury,” Crump said. “We have to know what happened, we have to get answers.”
Crump said the responsibility for the incident is on Epic Universe (aka Universal Orlando). Nataly Jackson (co-director of litigation at Ben Crump Law) answered the following questions:
QUESTION: What did witnesses say?
Answer: Witnesses said Zavala was completely slouched over the restraint. Witnesses also reported seeing blood and said that part of the seat covering in front was detached and hanging off the seat.
QUESTION: What cause Zavala’s death?
Answer: His death was caused by multiple blunt force impact injuries sustained on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The manner of death was ruled accidental. Jackson said investigations confirmed that Zavala received repeated head injuries during the ride and was unconscious for most of the roller coaster’s duration.
QUESTION: Did Zavala’s disability cause his death?
The answer was no. Although he used a wheelchair, Zavala lived a full and active life for 32 years, despite having a spinal condition for years.
QUESTION: What is the family asking for?
The family is requesting a complete and transparent investigation into how this incident occurred. The family is also requesting that the ride remain shut down until the investigation is completed and they understand what went wrong.
Zavala’s funeral will be held on Friday, 26th September, 2025. It twill take place from 10:30am to 2:00pm. It will take place at Funeraria San Juan in Kissimmee.
STARDUST RACERS INCIDENT RELATED ARTICLES:
- Guest Found Unresponsive After Riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe Dies [Update]
- Aerial Video Shows Forensic Team Investigating Death of Guest After Riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe
- Multiple Blunt Impact Injuries Ruled Cause of Death for Guest Found Unresponsive on Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe
- VIDEO: Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe Cycling Two Days After Death of Guest Found Unresponsive After Riding
- “Everyone Get Out!”: Eyewitness Heard When Stardust Racers Train With Unresponsive Guest Returned to Loading Station
- FOX 35 ORLANDO REPORT: Incident report, dispatch audio released in Epic Universe rider’s death
- Dispatch Audio After Guest Riding Stardust Racers Found Unresponsive Emerges Online
- Well-known Attorney to Represent Family of Guest Who Died After Being Found Unresponsive on Stardust Racers [Update]
- Video Appears to Show Unresponsive Guest on Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe [Update]
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
H/T WESH 2 NEWS
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