Lawyers Assert Disability Had No Impact on Man’s Death at Universal Roller Coaster: Key Insights and Updates

Lawyers for the family of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala say he died from injuries sustained on a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park. They argue that his spinal disability did not contribute to his death.

Zavala, who used a wheelchair, became unresponsive while on the ride. Witnesses believe he may have hit his head against a safety restraint during the coaster’s rapid drops. His family attorney, Natalie Jackson, pointed out that he experienced repeated head impacts during the ride. “His disability did not kill him,” she stated. “It was the blunt force trauma.”

The local medical examiner ruled his death an accident due to multiple blunt impact injuries. This has raised concerns about ride safety. A Universal executive recently claimed that internal checks showed the ride functioned normally. Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney representing Zavala’s family, challenged this assertion, emphasizing that just because the ride didn’t malfunction doesn’t mean it was safe.

Universal Orlando’s president, Karen Irwin, reiterated that safety is their top priority. She noted that the ride, named Stardust Racers, is a dual-launch coaster reaching speeds of 62 mph. Currently, the roller coaster is closed while Universal conducts a thorough review.

Universal’s Epic Universe opened its doors just before Memorial Day weekend, marking the first major theme park launch in Florida in over 25 years.

In light of this incident, there’s a growing public focus on ride safety and regulations. About 33% of Americans express concerns about amusement park rides, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Amusement Parks. Families are increasingly vocal on social media, sharing their thoughts and experiences, which adds pressure on parks to assess and enhance safety measures.

As theme parks continue to draw millions of visitors each year, the need for effective safety protocols is more crucial than ever. Ensuring that rides are not only thrilling but also safe should be a shared commitment among all theme parks. For more information on safety standards in the amusement industry, you can visit the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

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Ben Crump, Homicide, Florida, Orlando, Entertainment, Crime