US EditionStardust Racers drawing up to two hour wait times first day after reopening
Universal Orlando reopened Stardust Racers after a safety review confirmed proper ride function despite family objections; wait times reached up to two hours, officials said.
- On Saturday, Stardust Racers at Epic Universe reopened and drew wait times of up to two hours on its first full day, 17 days after a rider died.
- Universal said its review found the ride functioning properly, supported by the ride manufacturer and a third-party engineer, while updated signage and procedures reinforced rider eligibility requirements.
- Zavala's family and their attorneys opposed the reopening, arguing it could spoil evidence and noting they sought expert inspection of the ride.
- Despite objections, the ride resumed operations and park visitors reported feeling safe, while a central Florida woman filed a lawsuit and the Orange County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation as Ben Crump warned of court action.
- The Orange County medical examiner ruled Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's death as accidental; he used a wheelchair, lost consciousness on the ride, and died at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
16 Articles
16 Articles
New report details paramedics’ response to Epic Universe rider’s death
An incident report obtained Monday by the Orlando Sentinel details paramedics’ response after Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost consciousness while riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park last month, leading to him later being pronounced dead. Orange County Fire Rescue was first dispatched to reports of an unresponsive citizen on Sept. 17 at 9:09 p.m., with the first personnel arriving at Ep…
Family’s attorney denounces Universal Orlando for reopening Stardust Racers coaster
Attorney Ben Crump lashed out at Universal Orlando Resort on Monday, calling it “deeply disturbing” for the theme park to reopen its Stardust Racers ride before his investigators could inspect the roller coaster and help determine how Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding it. Flanked by members of Zavala’s family at a press conference in downtown Orlando, a visibly angry Crump called the ride’s opening as “the ultimate disrespect” to Zavala’s…
Attorneys say reopening of Stardust Racers is preventing further investigation of man’s death
The family of a 32-year-old man who died of blunt force injuries on a theme park roller coaster is accusing Universal Orlando Resort of endangering lives by reopening the ride this weekend.
Associated Press News
Attorneys say reopening of Stardust Racers is preventing further investigation of man's death
The family of a 32-year-old man who died of blunt force injuries on a theme park roller coaster is accusing Universal Orlando Resort of endangering lives by reopening the ride.
Attorney Ben Crump to speak after Stardust Racers reopens
Over the weekend, Universal Orlando officially reopened its Stardust Racers roller coaster following the death of a guest. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the coaster Sept. 17. Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, plans to hold a press conference Monday following the ride's reponing. FOX 35's Amanda McKenzie gives us a preview of what may be discussed.
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