ORLANDO, Fla. – Legal, medical and ride safety experts say many unanswered questions remain following the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala after he rode the new Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe.
Attorney Eloisa Pino said the family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has a strong case against Universal. She argued the coaster should remain closed until a full investigation is complete.
“It would be extremely reckless to reopen it without finding out what actually happened,” Pino said. “Based on the tests I’ve seen, everything operated smoothly, so I don’t think it was an employee error. I believe incorrect tests were done, which points to design or safety oversight.”
[VIDEO: Family of man who died after riding Epic Universe coaster asks for transparency from Universal]
Theme park ride installer Daniel Leavelle said roller coasters undergo extensive checks long before opening to the public.
“Testing goes on even during the design process,” Leavelle said. “They run parameters to make sure G-forces are in check, and safety is always the top priority for manufacturers.”
[VIDEO: Cause of death revealed for guest who rode Stardust Racers at Epic Universe]
Emergency medicine physician Dr. Rajiv Bahl explained the difference between spinal conditions and spinal cord injuries and said many people with physical limitations, including wheelchair users, can safely ride roller coasters.
“It’s common for people in wheelchairs to ride roller coasters, whether it’s individuals with paralysis or cerebral palsy,” Bahl said. “The question here is whether Rodriguez Zavala passed out and then suffered multiple blunt force injuries, or if the injuries themselves caused him to pass out and eventually die.”
[VIDEO: Guest dies after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando]
Universal has kept Stardust Racers closed since the incident and has not said when the ride will reopen.