The investigation into the tragic death of a 32-year-old man on Universal Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers roller coaster has officially closed, with police ruling the incident an accident. While this clears Universal of criminal wrongdoing, the final report’s harrowing details and a separate lawsuit raise critical questions about the ride’s safety and design.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has concluded its investigation into the September 17 death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on the Stardust Racers roller coaster, a flagship attraction at the newly opened Universal Epic Universe park. A representative for the office confirmed the case is now closed, stating, “Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s death was accidental, and… it was determined that no criminal acts occurred.”
For Universal and theme park observers, the finding officially ends the criminal phase of a tragic event that cast a shadow over the park’s debut. However, the final report provides a deeply disturbing account of Zavala’s final moments, ensuring the incident will remain a focal point for discussions on park safety and ride design.
The Final Report’s Disturbing Details
The new report, obtained by Entertainment Weekly, concludes that the 32-year-old died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.” It details how Zavala, who had a pre-existing spinal condition and used a wheelchair, was found with “severe facial trauma” after the coaster returned to its station. The report paints a grim picture, noting he was “stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of the seat, with legs inverted.”
Perhaps most chilling is the eyewitness account from Zavala’s girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles. She told investigators that as the coaster started its first major drop, “Kevin flew forward, striking his head.” She then witnessed him “hit his head multiple times” as she desperately tried to hold him back in his seat.
Universal’s Position: Ride ‘Functioned Properly’
Throughout the investigation, Universal maintained that its systems and staff operated correctly. An internal memo sent by Universal head Karen Irwin following the incident stated that a “comprehensive technical and operational review” had been conducted. This review, which involved the ride’s manufacturer and an independent third-party expert, “confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station.”
The memo also asserted that “Team Members followed procedures throughout.” Following its own extensive review and the police investigation, Universal reopened Stardust Racers on October 4, signaling its confidence in the attraction’s operational safety.
Lingering Questions and Legal Challenges
While the criminal investigation is over, the story is not. The focus now shifts to civil liability and broader questions about the ride’s design. The Zavala family is represented by prominent attorney Ben Crump, who has already signaled a challenge to the narrative that this was simply an unavoidable accident.
Complicating matters for Universal, another lawsuit has emerged. A woman sued the park after alleging she was injured on Stardust Racers months before Zavala’s death, a detail confirmed by the Associated Press. Crump seized on this, stating, “we believe there were warning signs that there was something wrong with the design of this ride and that they tried to blame the victims,” as reported by AP News.
This legal pressure ensures that scrutiny of the coaster’s design, particularly its restraint systems and its G-forces in relation to guests with pre-existing conditions, will continue in court, long after the police have closed their files.
An Ambitious Attraction Under Scrutiny
Stardust Racers was built to be a centerpiece of Universal Epic Universe, the resort’s massive third theme park. Manufactured by the German company Mack, the dueling coaster features two tracks and reaches speeds of 62 miles per hour. Its launch was a key part of the park’s grand opening in May 2025, which also introduced lands themed to classic Universal monsters, How to Train Your Dragon, and Nintendo.
The conclusion of the police investigation provides a crucial answer: no crime was committed. Yet, for the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and a public concerned with theme park safety, the most important questions about whether this tragedy was preventable are only now beginning to be asked.
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