In brief
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died following an accidental incident on a dual-launch roller coaster at Universal Studios, Orlando. Despite having a spinal disability, officials affirm it was not a contributing factor to the accident. Security footage indicated Zavala was initially responsive but became unresponsive by the end of the ride. After a thorough investigation, the medical examiner ruled his death as resulting from blunt-impact injuries. The incident has raised concerns about ride safety and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has closed its investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who tragically died after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Studios theme park. Officials confirmed the incident was accidental.
Footage from security cameras showed Zavala appearing engaged and well at the start of the ride but later found unresponsive, slumped over in his seat, at the end. Zavala was secured in his seat by a lap bar, which ride operators struggled to release for ten minutes after the ride stopped, highlighting potential safety concerns.
The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as blunt-impact injuries following an autopsy. Zavala’s girlfriend informed paramedics that he utilized a wheelchair due to a spinal disability, though family attorneys maintained that this did not contribute to the fatal outcome.
Zavala’s death on September 17 has raised questions regarding the safety measures in place for high-speed rides, especially concerning individuals with disabilities. The dual-launch coaster involved in the accident reaches speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph) and was only recently opened to the public in May.
A request for comment from attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, went unanswered. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn as investigations prompt a deeper examination of theme park safety protocols.
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