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

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – BeBe Shopp, Miss America 1948, continues to inspire and captivate audiences at 95 years old. Known as the oldest living Miss America, Shopp made a historic appearance in Orlando this weekend, gracing the red carpet and stage during the pageant world tour and the crowning of Miss America 2026. Florida National News was on hand to capture the moment and speak with the legendary titleholder, whose elegance, humor, and legacy remain timeless.

Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News

A Historic Reign That Changed Miss America

Born Beatrice Bella Shopp on August 17, 1930, in Hopkins, Minnesota, she made history when she was crowned Miss America in 1948. At just 18 years old, she became the first Miss America to be crowned while wearing an evening gown instead of the traditional bathing suit, signaling a cultural shift in the pageant. Her reign marked a pivotal time in American history, as the nation was still recovering from World War II and embracing new symbols of grace, talent, and resilience.

Sharing wisdom and Humor at 95

During red carpet arrivals, Florida National News spoke to Bebe Shopp, who was escorted by the current Miss Minnesota. With a warm smile, Shopp reflected on her life’s journey, telling FNN: “I would like to figure out where did 95 years go.” She proudly shared that she recently celebrated her 95th birthday.

When FNN’s Monica Hoyos complimented her radiant appearance by saying, “I hope to look as good as you when I reach 95,” Shopp playfully reassured her: “You will, you will. Just keep being happy.”

Her joy for the moment was undeniable. When asked how she felt being part of the event, Shopp exclaimed with excitement: “I love it, I love it!” Then, with her signature humor, she added: “To see all of my old sisters—old sisters—no, I’m the oldest!” she laughed, delighting the crowd around her.

Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News

An Icon Who Continues to Inspire

Now at 95, Bebe Shopp holds the distinguished title of being the oldest living Miss America, a testament not only to her longevity but also to her continued relevance in American culture. She has witnessed the evolution of the Miss America Organization firsthand, from its early beginnings as a beauty pageant to its transformation into a scholarship competition focused on leadership, service, and empowerment.

Her appearance at the crowning of Miss America 2026 in Orlando reminded audiences of the pageant’s enduring legacy and the importance of honoring those who paved the way. For many, seeing Bebe Shopp on stage was not only a nostalgic honor but also a living reminder of perseverance, elegance, and joy.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com