An Epic Universe roller coaster worked properly the day a man was found unresponsive on it and later died, Universal Orlando Resort’s president wrote in a memo obtained by the Orlando Sentinel on Monday.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night of “multiple blunt impact injuries” shortly after riding Stardust Racers, according to the Orange County medical examiner.
Universal’s internal review found that staff members correctly followed procedures, Karen Irwin, Universal’s president, wrote in a letter to employees addressing Zavala’s death.
“Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures,” she wrote.
The attraction will remain closed while the review continues in conjunction with the ride manufacturer, Irwin added.
Investigations are also being conducted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state agency generally responsible for regulating theme park rides.
“The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information,” said Aaron Keller, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Orange County Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany determined the death to be accidental. Few other details, though, have been released on what led to the injuries.
Shortly after he was found unresponsive Wednesday night, Zavala was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m., according to an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and took medication, according to the report. His GoFundMe page includes pictures of him using a wheelchair.
Irwin’s letter seems to rule out that the ride malfunctioned or that the restraints failed, said Brian Avery, a University of Florida professor and ride-safety expert.
“They are saying they basically haven’t found any abnormalities in respect to their investigation,” he said. “I see that kind of statement often.”
But the company’s review may focus only on policies and procedures that were in place at the time, rather than a consideration of safeguards that perhaps should have been in place but weren’t, he said.
“Clearly something went wrong,” Avery said, adding it could take months or a year or more to see the results of the state’s investigation.
Stardust Racers, which opened with the rest of the new theme park in May, is a dual-launch, “dueling” coaster with side-by-side tracks that reaches a top speed of 62 mph and a height of 133 feet, according to Universal. The most prominent feature is the patented “celestial spin,” where the tracks twist around each other in a barrel roll.
Riders are restrained only at the lap by a solid bar that lowers from overhead, without any shoulder constraints.
Stardust Racers was manufactured by German-based Mack Rides, which said in a company statement that it is cooperating with the investigation.
‘The facts will be known’: Epic Universe coaster death under investigation
In the letter, Irwin expressed her condolences, writing that “our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.” She told employees to be mindful of the ongoing investigation and offered emotional support resources.
“Together we will continue to move forward with compassion, care and professionalism,” she wrote.