Entertainment
Guest Death at Universal’s Epic Universe Sparks Safety Concerns
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Tragedy struck Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, after a man died following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The incident has renewed concerns about whether Florida lawmakers should extend safety inspection requirements to include the state’s largest theme parks, which currently conduct their own internal inspections.
The Incident
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, deputies responded to Epic Universe after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive upon exiting the Stardust Racers roller coaster. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Orange County Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Stephany, Zavala died from blunt impact injuries, and his death was ruled an accident. However, the report did not provide details on the location or extent of the injuries.
Reaction and Investigation
Theme park consultant Dennis Speigel called the medical findings “pretty shocking,” raising questions about whether the injuries were caused by the ride itself or another factor, such as improper seating.
In a statement, Universal Orlando Resort said:
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Universal officials added that they could not provide further comment until the investigation concludes.
Florida’s Theme Park Safety Exemptions
Unlike smaller venues and fairs, Florida’s largest theme parks—including Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld—are exempt from state safety inspections. These parks conduct their own safety checks but must still report injuries and fatalities to the state.
In the second quarter of this year, a dozen reports were filed by major parks, including incidents involving older guests with preexisting conditions. At Epic Universe specifically, three separate incidents have already been reported since its May opening, including dizziness, chest pains, and visual disturbances after riding attractions.
Will Florida Lawmakers Seek Stronger Regulations?
The death at Epic Universe has reignited debate over whether Florida lawmakers should expand the Tyre Sampson Act—passed after the 2022 death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson on a drop tower ride—to include major theme parks.
The law currently applies to temporary or non-permanent attractions, requiring stricter reporting, enhanced employee training, and improved transparency. Florida’s largest theme parks, however, remain exempt, a gap critics say poses significant safety risks.
With mounting pressure following Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s death, lawmakers may soon face renewed calls to revisit those exemptions.
________________________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” Brings Diversity and Magic to Orlando’s Holiday Stage
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – When you hear the word “disability,” it’s easy to imagine limits, restrictions, and barriers. But for Jeffery Lorenzo Williams, those words have no place in his vocabulary. Paralyzed at 13, Williams identifies as a person of determination — a term that reflects strength and capability, not limitation. His life has become a masterclass in turning adversity into empowerment, proving that the most powerful movement begins in the mind.
During an exclusive interview with FNN News, Williams reflected on the event that changed his life and the mindset that carried him forward.
“I never focused on what I couldn’t do,” Williams said. “I focused on what I could and I just kept moving forward.”
That perspective has shaped a career defined by reinvention. Today, Williams is an accomplished New York City real estate broker, motivational author, pilot, and footwear designer. Each title tells part of the same story — one of perseverance, creativity, and purpose.
Through his footwear brand JLorenzo’s, Williams designs adaptive sneakers that merge fashion with motivation. His collections feature empowering inscriptions such as “Be somebody nobody thought you could be.” He laughs as he recalls me being his first customer. “Each inscription represents walking not just physically, but walking in purpose,” he said.
His work has not only built a stylish, inclusive brand but has also redefined what representation in fashion can look like. Earlier this year, Williams brought that message to Daniel’s Leather’s Inclusive Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week 2025, joining nearly 40 wheelchair-using models, including Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, Latavia Sturdivant. The event was more than a showcase — it was a celebration of visibility and empowerment. “The energy was incredible,” Williams said. “It wasn’t about being different, it was about being seen.”
Kareen Kennedy wearing her JLorenzos in 2019
Beyond fashion, Williams takes his passion for breaking barriers to the skies. As a licensed pilot, he flies glider planes, something he calls the ultimate expression of freedom.
“Flying gives me freedom,” he said. “It’s proof that even when life grounds you, you can still soar.”
His memoir, “My Feet Are Off the Ground: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph,” chronicles his remarkable journey from paralysis to success. Proceeds from the book fund nursing scholarships, extending his lifelong commitment to giving back. Looking ahead, Williams plans to bring his story to new audiences through a documentary and a stage play, with his son, Jeff Jr., potentially portraying him on screen.
Photo Courtesy of Jeffery Williams
When asked if he would change his past, Williams paused thoughtfully before answering.
“Of course, I’d love to walk,” he said. “But if I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t have been able to touch and change lives the way I have. That’s worth more than anything.”
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams doesn’t just live with determination — he embodies it. Through his work, his story, and his example, he continues to challenge the world’s perception of ability. His life is a vivid reminder that real barriers often exist only where others place them, and that courage, when paired with purpose, can truly move mountain.
In a world quick to define people by their obstacles, Jeffery Lorenzo Williams is a compelling reminder that true limitation exists only where we allow it.
_________________________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
