Business
Attorney Ben Crump Urges New State Oversight After Death on Universal’s Stardust Racers
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling for sweeping reforms to Florida’s theme park safety laws following the tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died Sept. 17 after riding the new Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. At a press conference Tuesday, Crump highlighted growing complaints, missed warning signs, and red flags that point to the need for greater state oversight.
Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Complaints Surface After Fatal Incident
Crump revealed that since Zavala’s death, multiple individuals have come forward with their own troubling experiences on Stardust Racers. One woman said she lost consciousness and suffered neck and spine injuries shortly after the ride opened in May. She later contacted Zavala’s family through a GoFundMe page, detailing her ordeal.
“These are not isolated cases,” Crump said. “We’re hearing from others who faced serious issues on this same roller coaster.”
Family Demands Answers
Through an interpreter, Zavala’s mother, Ana Zavala, made an emotional plea for transparency and accountability.
“All we want is answers regarding my son’s death. We want answers so we can honor him and have peace. It is extremely difficult losing a son, and we do not wish this pain on anyone.” — Ana Zavala
Missed Warning Signs and Red Flags
Crump and his legal team argue that Universal missed clear red flags that Stardust Racers was unsafe. They are seeking access to surveillance footage from the night of Zavala’s death and conducting an independent inspection of the ride’s design and restraints.
“With respect to restraints, we’re going to look at everything,” said Paul Grinke, Managing Attorney at Ben Crump Law. “Should there have been more restraints? Different restraints? Special restraints for someone in Kevin’s condition? We will examine every detail from top to bottom.”
Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News
Call for New State Oversight
Florida National News pressed Crump on whether state law should be expanded to cover government investigations at large theme parks. Crump agreed, stressing that major corporations like Universal should no longer self-report and self-police ride-related injuries.
“We are calling for greater government oversight,” Grinke said. “Currently, Universal and other major parks self-report incidents. That is not enough. We are in open communication with state and local officials to push for legislative change.”
Universal’s Limited Reporting Under Scrutiny
Records from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services show Universal has only self-reported two incidents this year on Stardust Racers: a 63-year-old man who experienced dizziness and altered consciousness, and a 47-year-old woman with vision impairment and numbness. Both were attributed to “pre-existing conditions.”
Crump argues that this limited reporting shows the urgent need for mandatory state oversight, transparency, and public accountability.
“This is not just about one family’s tragedy,” Crump said. “It’s about protecting every family who visits Florida’s theme parks.”
Key Facts on Stardust Racers Investigation
Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Sept. 17 of blunt force injuries.
Ride: Stardust Racers roller coaster, Epic Universe, opened May 2025.
Complaints: At least two other riders have reported serious injuries or symptoms.
Official Reports: Only two incidents self-reported by Universal this year.
Proposed Reform: Mandatory state oversight of large theme park, like Universal Orlando’s Eric Universe.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida National News and FNN News en Español will provide on-site coverage of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Cranes Roost Park.
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (FNN) — Hola at the Park will bring Hispanic culture, local businesses and live entertainment to Cranes Roost Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando and presented by AdventHealth, the event celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month through food, entertainment, entrepreneurship and community connections.
According to the chamber’s event announcement, admission is free, the celebration is open to the community and no registration is required.
FNN to Spotlight Businesses and Community Voices
Florida National News and FNN News en Español, official media sponsors, will be on location covering the festivities.
The FNN team will spotlight chamber representatives, sponsors, participating businesses and community leaders, while sharing attendees’ perspectives throughout the afternoon.
Coverage will highlight the people, businesses and cultural traditions contributing to the celebration.
Photo: Florida National News
Food, Entertainment and Family Activities
The chamber’s announcement lists authentic cuisine, live entertainment, local businesses, wellness experiences, community resources, networking and family-friendly activities among the event’s offerings.
Attendees will have opportunities to explore Hispanic traditions, connect with entrepreneurs and learn about organizations serving Central Florida.
Photo: Florida National News
A Waterfront Setting in Uptown Altamonte
Cranes Roost Park, located in Uptown Altamonte, features a waterfront setting with scenic walkways around Cranes Roost Lake and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater and floating stage.
The park will serve as the gathering place for an afternoon celebrating Hispanic heritage and the connections between culture, business and community.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
- Time: 2–6 p.m. EDT
- Location: Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs
- Host: Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando
- Presenting sponsor: AdventHealth
- Admission: Free and open to the community
- Registration: Not required
Photo: Florida National News
Vendor Inquiries
For information about vendor opportunities, contact the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando at info@hispanicchamber.com or events@hispanicchamber.com.
The refrigerated lineup includes five single-serve dishes and two family-size meals.
BATAVIA, Ill. (FNN) — ALDI will begin rolling out seven ready-made meals in select stores in early October, with single-serve dishes priced under $8 and family-size options under $15. The grocer expects the full lineup to be available nationwide by January 2027.
The collection includes five single-serve meals: beef Bolognese spaghetti, beef brisket with white mac and cheese, butter chicken and rice, a chicken burrito bowl, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo. The two family-size dishes are chicken and bacon mac and cheese and a meat lovers pizza bake.
“Our shoppers are looking for meals that fit into busy lives,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying for ALDI U.S. She said the company developed the lineup with shoppers’ budgets and demand for convenient meals in mind.
Price and preparation
ALDI said the single-serve meals contain 30 to 46 grams of protein each. The family-size dishes contain 16 to 22 grams per serving. The company announced price limits for the two sizes but did not list a price for each individual meal.
“We tested hundreds of recipes as we developed this collection,” said Terry Jackson, head of food at Kitchen Food Company, ALDI’s supplier for the meals. Jackson said the team focused on flavor and ingredients while developing the dishes.
The meals are refrigerated, not frozen. ALDI says the single-serve dishes can be heated in a microwave, while the family-size meals are prepared in an oven. Shoppers should follow the directions on each package.
2026 Hispanic Chamber Hola at the Park. Uptown Altamonte Springs, Florida at beautiful Cranes Roost Park Saturday, October 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) (EDT)
When and where to find them
The meals will be stocked in the refrigerated meals section near the front of ALDI stores. Availability will vary during the rollout, which begins in select markets in early October and expands through the fall. ALDI also plans to offer additional meals through its limited-time ALDI Finds assortment each month over the following year. corporate.aldi.us
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