Tragic Universal Orlando Death Raises Serious Safety Questions
Universal Orlando is facing major scrutiny after the tragic death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on September 17th, a wheelchair user who died on the new Stardust Racers rollercoaster. Just 17 days later, the ride reopened, but with a curious new restriction: guests in wheelchairs must now be able to walk on their own to ride.
This heartbreaking case is sparking debate about theme park safety, especially for guests with disabilities. As trial attorneys representing serious injury victims, we believe it is important to understand what this case means for others and what steps to take if you or a loved one is hurt at a theme park.
What Happened at Universal Orlando?
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old from Kissimmee, had a spinal condition that confined him to a wheelchair. On September 17, 2025, he rode Stardust Racers, a new high-speed rollercoaster in Universal’s Epic Universe. At some point during the ride, Zavala lost consciousness, as his head was seen hitting the ride’s headrest more than once. He was found unresponsive and later died from multiple blunt-force injuries.
The death was ruled accidental by the medical examiner, but Universal’s negligence may have played a role.
New Restrictions for Wheelchair Users
After the death of Mr. Zavala, Universal quietly revised its Safety and Accessibility Guidelines. The updated policy requires that Stardust Racers who use wheelchairs must be able to walk independently to board the attraction, as is their policy on other thrill rides such as Dragon Racers Rally and Monsters Unchained. While Universal maintains that the ride was functioning properly and all safety protocols were followed, the timing of this change raises questions. Why was the policy only updated after the incident? And what prompted the shift if the ride was already deemed safe?
By reopening Stardust Racers with this new restriction, Universal is signaling confidence in the ride’s safety, at least under the revised guidelines. However, the change casts doubt on how much the company truly understood about the ride’s risks prior to Zavala’s death. For many, the move appears less like a proactive safety measure and more like a reactive attempt to manage liability, fueling continued skepticism about the reopened ride’s inherent dangers.
Theme Park Accidents: What You Should Know
Theme park accidents are more common than most people realize. While parks like Universal and Disney have strong safety records overall, accidents still happen, and when they do, they can result in lifelong injuries or death. Some common causes of theme park injuries include:
- Improper ride restraints
- Unsafe ride designs or speeds
- Lack of proper warning signs
- Inadequately marked tripping hazards
- Transient substances creating slippery floors
- Poor emergency response
- Failure to consider guests with disabilities
- Inadequate training of employees
In some cases, the park may be at fault for what happened, either fully or partially. That is where an experienced theme park trial attorney, like those at Mase Seitz Briggs, can help.
What To Do If You’re Injured at a Theme Park
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some injuries (like brain trauma) may not show symptoms right away.
Document Everything
Take photos of the ride, your injuries, and anything that seems unsafe or dangerous. Get names and contact information for witnesses and employees who helped.
Report the Incident
Let the park officials know what happened. Ask for a copy of the incident report and don’t sign anything until you speak with an attorney.
Talk to a Theme Park Trial Lawyer
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and deal with the park, as well as the insurance company.
Why You Need a Trial Lawyer After a Theme Park Injury
Not all lawyers are trial lawyers—and that matters. When theme parks refuse to take responsibility, you need an attorney who’s prepared to take your case all the way, not just handle paperwork in the early stages.
Trial lawyers know how to build a strong case from the start, present it in court, and hold powerful companies accountable. Trial lawyers are experienced in handling complex litigation, preserving crucial evidence, and standing up to corporate defense teams.
Theme park companies have teams of attorneys and insurance adjusters working to protect their bottom line. If you try to handle your case on your own, they will try to pressure you into a low settlement or even blame you for the accident.
An experienced trial attorney who understands theme park negligence can:
- Investigate what really happened
- Preserve important evidence (including ride logs and video footage)
- Work with engineers or safety experts
- File a claim or lawsuit on your behalf
- Negotiate for the compensation you deserve
Injured at a Theme Park? We’re Here to Help
If you or a loved one has been injured at a theme park, whether at Universal, Disney, or any smaller park, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of trial lawyers is experienced in handling theme park accidents, wrongful death claims, and serious personal injury cases involving disability discrimination or negligence. We recently obtained a mid-six-figure settlement for a theme park guest who was injured at a park.
Contact Mase Seitz Briggs to speak with a lawyer today. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
