Investigation into Universal Studios Roller Coaster Death Concludes as Accident

Sat Dec 13 2025 20:17:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The 32-year-old victim, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, experienced severe injuries after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios. An investigation deemed the incident accidental.

An investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who suffered severe facial trauma after riding a roller coaster at Universal Studios Orlando, has concluded with the Orange County Sheriff's Office ruling it an accident. Security footage revealed he appeared well at the start of the ride but was found unresponsive at the end. Zavala had a spinal disability, but officials state that it did not contribute to his death, which was attributed to blunt-impact injuries.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The incident surrounding the tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios, has been officially classified as an accident, according to a report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Security footage from the ride showed Zavala appearing 'engaged and well' during the first moments but later slumped over and unresponsive by the time the ride ended. Paramedics noted that Zavala exhibited severe facial trauma and remained secured in his seat by a lap bar, which ride operators struggled to release for ten minutes.

Witness statements from Zavala’s girlfriend revealed that he utilized a wheelchair and had a spinal condition from birth. However, legal representatives for his family have stated that his disability did not factor into the tragic accident that occurred on September 17.

Following an autopsy, the medical examiner confirmed that Zavala died from blunt-impact injuries and ruled the death an accident.

The dual-launch coaster where Zavala lost his life reaches speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph) and was officially inaugurated in May with the opening of Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park.

As of now, attorney Ben Crump, who represents Zavala’s family, has not responded to inquiries regarding the sheriff's office's findings.

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