The family of a guest who died after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has reached a settlement with the company, bringing a legal resolution to one of the most serious incidents in the park’s short history. This Epic Universe incident involved the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster in September.
According to a statement released by the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, the matter has been resolved privately between the parties. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
A sign noting that Stardust Racers at Epic Universe is closed – Photo Credit: That Park Place
“The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter,” Crump said. “The terms are confidential. The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.”
Zavala, a wheelchair user, died after sustaining fatal blunt force injuries while riding Stardust Racers, one of Epic Universe’s flagship attractions. A final investigative report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office concluded that no criminal wrongdoing occurred and that the ride itself was functioning as designed at the time of the incident.
Official Findings From the Sheriff’s Report
The sheriff’s report determined that Zavala repeatedly made contact with the seat in front of him during the ride, resulting in fatal blunt force trauma. The report also documented that Zavala suffered a broken femur. Investigators did not identify mechanical failure, operator negligence, or safety system malfunctions associated with the coaster.
A test seat for Stardust Racers in Universal’s Epic Universe – Universal Orlando App
Stardust Racers uses a lap-bar restraint system, which relies on lower-body mass and rider positioning to keep guests secure during high-speed maneuvers. According to Theme Park Insider, lap-bar systems are one of the reasons many roller coasters enforce height and body-related boarding restrictions beyond basic accessibility considerations.
The Epic Universe death prompted immediate action from Universal Orlando. The ride was closed following the incident and remained unavailable to guests until October 4.
Ride Closure and Inspection Process
During the closure, Universal conducted inspections in coordination with multiple parties, including the ride manufacturer Mack Rides, Orange County officials, Florida regulators, and independent safety examiners. Following the review process, officials reported that no faults were found with the coaster’s design, restraints, or operational procedures.
Concept art of Stardust Racers in Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe
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After the inspections were completed and regulators cleared the attraction, Stardust Racers reopened to the public.
While the settlement resolves the legal dispute between Zavala’s family and Universal, the incident has continued to raise questions among theme park observers and guests about accessibility standards, restraint systems, and how ride eligibility is evaluated in practice.
Broader Questions Remain
Public commentary following the Epic Universe death has focused on how parks assess rider safety beyond visible height requirements, particularly for guests with mobility impairments. While the sheriff’s report found no criminal liability and no mechanical defect, it did not fully address how eligibility decisions were made on the day of the incident.
Universal has not commented publicly beyond acknowledging the settlement.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Theme park safety experts frequently note that accessibility and safety can involve complex considerations, especially for high-intensity attractions. While parks strive to accommodate as many guests as possible, certain ride systems inherently depend on physical factors that may not be immediately apparent.
Case Closed, Impact Ongoing
Legally, the Epic Universe death case is now closed. The confidential settlement and the sheriff’s findings bring formal closure to the matter, but the incident remains a sobering moment for a park that opened with massive expectations and intense scrutiny.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Universal Orlando
Epic Universe represents one of Universal’s largest investments and most ambitious expansions, positioning itself as a next-generation theme park. The fatal incident involving Stardust Racers stands as a reminder that even state-of-the-art attractions carry inherent risks—and that safety, accessibility, and communication remain critical challenges for the industry.
Universal Orlando has not indicated whether additional information will be released regarding the incident or the settlement.
Are you surprised that a settlement was reached? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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