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.
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Monica Hoyos and J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker
DAVIE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and his family received a life-changing gift on June 11 when they were presented with a fully refurbished vehicle through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between vehicle donor Allstate, repair partner Crash Champions, and several industry sponsors. The presentation took place at Crash Champions’ Davie, Florida, collision repair center.
Veteran Receives Reliable Transportation
The recipient, Sergio Hernandez, was nominated by the Wounded Warrior Project, one of the nation’s leading veterans service organizations dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Hernandez and his wife received a refurbished 2018 Toyota RAV4 donated by Allstate and restored by Crash Champions technicians.
“This vehicle is beautiful, super clean, just near mint,” Hernandez said. “Reliability is a huge thing. This will take a burden off our shoulders not having to worry about maintenance or any of the issues we were having with prior vehicles. I’m truly grateful for it.”
From Military Service to Civilian Life
Hernandez served in the United States Marine Corps beginning in 2015, with assignments in South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. During his service, he suffered a back injury that required extensive therapy and rehabilitation.
After leaving the military, Hernandez used GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelor’s degree in business management. However, transportation challenges remained a significant obstacle for his growing family.
With a non-operational vehicle and mounting repair costs, reliable transportation had become a pressing need. The donated vehicle will help Hernandez commute to work, attend family appointments and provide safe transportation for his wife and two young children.
Industry Partners Make a Difference
Allstate has donated more than 300 vehicles through the NABC Recycled Rides® program, making it one of the program’s largest vehicle donors.
Crash Champions has also played a major role, gifting more than 250 vehicles to individuals and organizations in need through the initiative.
Additional partners supporting the donation included Enterprise, Tire Kingdom, AutoZone, J&A Auto Restore, ATE, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart and Cars for Charity.
Business
Orlando Regional REALTOR Association Event Highlights Orange County Growth, Housing Trends and Economic Outlook
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association (ORRA) hosted its second annual State of Real Estate event for Orange County on April 17, bringing together industry professionals, policymakers and community leaders to examine the region’s housing market and economic outlook.
Held at ORRA’s headquarters in Orlando, the event focused on the evolving dynamics of residential and commercial real estate across Central Florida. Discussions centered on housing affordability, economic growth and long-term regional development.
Speakers and Panelists
- Lawrence Yun — Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS
- Maria Henson — Senior Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
- Racquel Asa — Head of External Affairs, Central Florida Expressway Authority
- Amy Mercado — Property Appraiser, Orange County
- Chris Atwell — Moderator, 2026 ORRA President
Industry experts said Central Florida’s economy continues to grow, though at a more measured pace. While housing and stock market wealth remain near record highs, job growth is softening, consumer sentiment has declined and loan defaults are rising — creating a market shaped by mixed signals.
Panelists noted the housing market has shifted into a more stable phase compared to the rapid growth seen during 2020 and 2021, with more balance and sustainable conditions.
Despite short-term fluctuations, long-term fundamentals remain strong. Orange County’s tax base has grown significantly since 2023, while the broader Central Florida region has experienced a 23% population increase over the past decade, with more than 1,200 people moving to the area each week.
Infrastructure and tourism were also highlighted as key drivers of future growth. Officials pointed to major roadway investments by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and the region’s continued strength as a tourism hub, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024.
“We’re operating in a global economy where interest rates, supply chains and migration policies all influence what happens at the local level,” said ORRA CEO Cliff Long.
Economic Trends Show Mixed Signals
Experts emphasized that strong asset values are being offset by softer job growth and declining consumer confidence.
Housing Market Enters Stable Phase
The market has transitioned from pandemic-driven volatility to a more balanced and sustainable pace.
Growth, Infrastructure and Tourism Drive Future
Population growth, infrastructure investment and tourism continue to support long-term expansion in Central Florida.
ORRA’s Impact and Benefits on the Real Estate Industry
The Orlando Regional REALTOR Association provides critical market insights, advocacy and professional resources for REALTORS® across Central Florida. Its events foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and the community, helping guide responsible growth, inform housing policy and strengthen the regional real estate market.
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