Business
Attorney Ben Crump Casts Dark Cloud Over Universal Roller Coaster Ride Safety After Death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The family of 31-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, joined by famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump, held a press conference demanding answers after Zavala’s tragic death on Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Stardust Racers roller coaster.
Attorney Ben Crump Questions Safety of Universal’s Epic Universe Roller Coaster After Death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala in Orlando, Florida. Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Zavala, described by loved ones as a lifelong Central Florida resident and “roller coaster freak” who loved theme parks, died last week after becoming unresponsive on the dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds of 62 mph. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries” and listed the manner of death as accidental.
Despite those findings, Crump cast doubt on the coaster’s safety protocols, vowing to push for transparency and accountability from Universal Orlando Resort and state investigators.
Family and Attorneys Demand Transparency
During the press conference, Zavala’s parents, and siblings remembered him as independent and active despite a spinal disability that required the use of a wheelchair. “This night, he was fine,” Crump said, noting Zavala had no medical restrictions and had safely ridden other attractions earlier that same day at Epic Universe.
Crump rejected the notion that Zavala’s disability caused his death, instead pointing to the medical examiner’s report of blunt force trauma. “We have to know what happened,” Crump emphasized. He argued that Zavala’s injuries indicated his head may have struck part of the ride or restraints multiple times, leaving him unconscious for much of the ride.
Family, Lawyers Demand Answers in Death of Disabled Man on Universal’s Stardust Racers Ride, Orlando, Florida. Photo by J Willie David, III
Attorney Natalie Jackson, who is also representing the family, echoed that conclusion, citing eyewitness accounts of repeated head strikes. “His disability did not kill him,” Jackson stated firmly. “It was the blunt force trauma.”
Universal and State Investigators Defend Safety Measures
Karen Irwin, president of Universal Orlando Resort, issued a statement saying that the theme park’s internal review found all ride systems functioning normally, with equipment intact and staff procedures properly followed. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services echoed those findings in its initial review.
The park’s accessibility guide warns that riders must be able to maintain upright posture, support their torso and head, and brace with at least one arm during sudden ride movements. Despite this, Universal has closed the Stardust Racers indefinitely while conducting a full safety review with its manufacturer.
Crump, however, insisted that Universal’s review is not enough. He said the family has requested release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage. The attorneys also plan to hire independent experts in ride safety, design, and operations to conduct their own investigation.
Push for Stronger Theme Park Safety Laws
Crump drew comparisons to his work on the high-profile case of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who fell to his death from the drop tower at Orlando’s ICON Park in 2022. That case spurred the Tyre Sampson Act, championed by the late Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson, which tightened safety requirements for smaller attractions.
“All we’re asking is that these multi-billion-dollar entities put safety above profits, so no one else dies on their rides,” Crump said. He confirmed to Florida National News that he is already in discussions with Florida lawmakers about expanding safety regulations to include the state’s largest theme parks.
Meanwhile, Zavala’s family is preparing to lay him to rest. His funeral will take place Friday, September 26, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Funerari San Juan Funeral Home on South John Young Parkway in Kissimmee. The public is invited to attend.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Monica Hoyos and J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Florida National News is on site all week covering the 2026 PGA Show as it takes over the Orange County Convention Center, transforming Orlando into the global epicenter of the golf industry.
The annual event draws thousands of industry professionals, athletes, media, and golf enthusiasts from around the world to preview the latest innovations shaping the future of the sport.
Global Golf Industry Converges in Orlando
The PGA Show brings together exhibitors and attendees from across the globe, showcasing cutting-edge golf equipment, apparel, technology, and services. From club manufacturers and gear designers to course operators and teaching professionals, the show serves as a central meeting point for every sector of the golf world.
Attetion, Technology, and Interactive Experiences
This year’s PGA Show features immersive activations, including state-of-the-art golf simulators, interactive training tools, and expanded indoor and outdoor driving range experiences. Technology continues to play a major role, with advancements in swing analytics, performance tracking, and course management on full display.
The show floor also highlights sustainability efforts and innovations aimed at growing the game for future generations.
Florida National News Provides Front-Row Coverage
Florida National News will deliver comprehensive coverage throughout the week, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access, exhibitor highlights, and firsthand looks at the products and experiences defining the next era of golf.
Readers can follow along for daily updates, photos, and feature stories straight from the heart of the PGA Show
________________________________________________________
– Todd Grasley and J Willie David, III contribute to this report.
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Hispanic Chamber and Prospera Honor Business and Community Leaders at 28th Don Quijote Awards Gala
