Star Dust Racers Epic Universe Death: The recent death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old tourist who died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe, has raised serious questions about theme park liability and family legal rights. In an interview with Univision News, Orlando criminal defense lawyer and television legal analyst Jose Rivas discussed the legal issues surrounding the tragic accident.
Star Dust Racers Epic Universe Death: What Happened?
On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was enjoying an evening at Universal’s newest theme park with his longtime girlfriend when tragedy struck. After riding the Stardust Racers dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet, Zavala became unresponsive. The Orange County Medical Examiner determined that he died from multiple blunt impact injuries, ruling his death accidental.
The Epic Universe death report revealed that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition that required him to use a wheelchair. Witnesses reported hearing cries for help after the ride completed its course, and Zavala appeared unconscious with what seemed to be a broken leg. Despite immediate CPR efforts by Universal Orlando Health Services and Orange County Fire Rescue on the platform next to the ride tracks, Zavala was pronounced dead at Orlando Regional Medical Center at 10:05 p.m.
Legal Analysis: When Can Families Sue Theme Parks?
Rivas said that families in situations like Zavala’s may have grounds for legal action if they can demonstrate negligence by the theme park. In his analysis of the Epic Universe death, attorney Rivas outlined three critical elements that must be proven in such cases:
“In this case, the person who is going to sue has to demonstrate that in this case Universal Studios had an obligation to give sufficient warning of the risks of riding this apparatus,” Rivas told Univision News. “They will also have to demonstrate that they were negligent, meaning that they didn’t give sufficient warning or perhaps this apparatus is not properly constructed for riding.”
The third crucial element involves proving a direct correlation between the park’s negligence and the resulting Epic Universe death. Rivas said that a jury would then determine appropriate monetary damages based on factors including the deceased person’s age and the value of the loss to surviving family members.
Florida Theme Park Safety Regulations and Your Rights
Florida has specific regulations governing theme park safety, particularly for major facilities like Universal Orlando. Major theme parks in Florida with more than 1,000 employees are exempt from routine state ride inspections by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), but they are not exempt from safety regulations. They are required to follow safety standards, perform their own inspections, and report serious injuries.
The state requires that all rides meet standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International, covering everything from ride design and construction to operation and maintenance. Florida theme park injury attorneys emphasize that these facilities owe visitors a high duty of care, and failure to maintain safe conditions can result in premises liability claims.
Understanding Liability Waivers: Are They Really Binding?
Many theme park visitors sign liability waivers believing they cannot pursue legal action if injured, but that is not necessarily the case. “We often sign documents that we are told relieve the company of any type of responsibility, but that is not recognized by the courts,” Rivas said. “Why? Because it is reasonable that if they are selling a ticket to ride an apparatus, that apparatus should be properly constructed and should not result in these types of losses.”
So, while families typically assume signed waivers prevent them from taking legal action after an incident like the UEpic Universe death, Florida courts recognize that theme parks have a fundamental obligation to provide safe attractions. This is regardless of liability agreements signed by guests.
When tragic accidents at Orlando theme parks happen, families need experienced legal representation immediately. Under Florida Statute 95.11(4)(d), a wrongful death lawsuit must generally be filed within two years from the date of the death.
Universal Orlando says that the results of their internal findings after the Star Dust Racers Epic Universe death are that the Stardust Racers ride systems functioned as intended and that all equipment remained intact throughout the incident.
Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Jose Rivas is a veteran bilingual TV Legal Analyst who has appeared on Univision, Fox News, Telemundo, and many other news outlets.
