Bodycam: Florida Man Killed on Roller Coaster
Why It Matters
The death highlights gaps in safety procedures for disabled riders, prompting legal and regulatory scrutiny that could reshape amusement‑park liability and industry standards.
Key Takeaways
- •Man with spinal atrophy died after head impacts on coaster.
- •Lap‑bar restraint was manually adjusted multiple times before ride launch.
- •Investigators found no mechanical failure; ride operated as designed.
- •Family hired attorney Ben Crump, demanding answers and safety reforms.
- •Universal reopened coaster two weeks later, sparking public criticism.
Summary
The video examines the tragic death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32‑year‑old with spinal cord atrophy, who died after sustaining multiple blunt‑head injuries on the Stardust Racers coaster at Universal’s newly opened Epic Universe in Orlando. Body‑camera footage captured first responders swarming the platform, while park officials issued statements pledging cooperation with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigation.
Key findings reveal that Kevin transferred from his wheelchair to the ride using a park‑provided transfer device and that staff manually pushed the lap‑bar down several times to meet the restraint’s green indicator. Despite these adjustments, the victim repeatedly struck his head during the ride’s drops. The medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by blunt‑impact injuries, and the Florida Department of Agriculture confirmed the coaster’s systems functioned correctly, with no mechanical fault identified.
Witness testimony from a ride operator confirms the lap‑bar was secured after Kevin consented to additional pressure, and his girlfriend, Hovelys, reported seeing him hit his head on multiple drops. Universal released a condolence statement, while the family retained high‑profile civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump, demanding a transparent inquiry and safety reforms. The park reopened the coaster merely two weeks after the incident, prompting criticism from the family and public.
The incident underscores heightened scrutiny of amusement‑park safety protocols for guests with disabilities, potential liability for inadequate restraint checks, and the broader industry pressure to balance thrill attractions with rigorous health‑safety standards. Ongoing legal action could compel Universal to revise transfer procedures and restraint designs, influencing regulatory oversight nationwide.
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