A man tragically passed away after being swiftly transported to a medical facility with “multiple blunt force injuries” sustained at a Universal theme park, as confirmed by the family’s legal representatives.
Kevin Zavala, aged 32, encountered the fatal incident while riding the Stardust Racers attraction at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Florida last Wednesday, leading to a sudden loss of consciousness.
According to an incident report, the rider, who had a pre-existing spinal injury, utilized a wheelchair before boarding the rollercoaster.
A medical examiner classified his death as accidental the following Thursday, attributing it to “blunt impact injuries,” although the specific location of these injuries remains undisclosed.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
The safety guidelines of the park state that Stardust Racers are explicitly designed to assist individuals transitioning from a wheelchair to the ride.
Devastated by the loss, Zavala’s family has engaged civil rights lawyer Ben Crump to ensure they receive clarity.
Mr. Crump has demanded the theme park to disclose details about the ride, including maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and CCTV footage, to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
In a statement, Mr. Crump emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation and complete transparency, advocating for accountability and justice for Kevin’s family.
Contrary to the accusations, Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, stated that the ride operated normally and all equipment remained intact during the incident.
Irwin expressed the challenge of the situation, mentioning the closure of the attraction for a comprehensive review in collaboration with the ride manufacturer to prioritize safety.
Zavala’s grieving family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses for their cherished family member.
In a heartfelt statement, the family described Kevin as a compassionate and wise individual who faced life’s trials with resilience and humility.
The GoFundMe has exceeded its initial goal, raising over £21,000 to honor Kevin’s memory and support his family during this difficult time.