Universal Orlando said the “ride systems functioned as intended,” the “equipment was intact” from beginning to end and the employees followed the ride procedures following a man’s death[1] after riding a roller coaster at the new Epic Universe theme park.
Universal Orlando Resort’s President Karen Irwin’s[2] letter to employees revealed the results of the theme park’s internal review of Stardust Racers[3].
The dual-launch roller coaster that goes up 62 mph and up to 133 feet in the air remains closed, Irwin said, as Universal does a “comprehensive review process” with the ride manufacturer.
“In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one,” Irwin acknowledged. “Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.”
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died from multiple blunt impact injuries on Wednesday, according to the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, which ruled his death an accident.
The full autopsy report could take up to 90 days.
According to media reports, Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair.
A GoFundMe[4] for Zavala’s family has raised more than $25,000.
“Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul — wise beyond his years — with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding. He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own,” the Rodriguez Zavala wrote on his fundraiser page. “Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.”
In July, a 63-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman both went to the hospital for at least 24 hours after riding Stardust Racers, according to the quarterly state injury theme park report[5], where Universal, Disney and the other big parks in Florida self-report their guests’ medical issues.
The man reported feeling “dizziness/altered state of consciousness,” while the woman suffered a “visual disturbance/numbness,” the report said.
Epic Universe’s grand opening was on May 22.
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References
- ^ following a man’s death (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Karen Irwin’s (www.nbcuniversal.com)
- ^ Stardust Racers (www.universalorlando.com)
- ^ A GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ according to the quarterly state injury theme park report (floridapolitics.com)