A 32-year-old man tragically died following a ride on a high-speed roller coaster at a Florida theme park, but investigators have now closed the case, ruling his death accidental.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala appeared fully engaged and healthy at the beginning of the ride, security footage revealed. However, as the coaster concluded, he was found unresponsive, slumped in his seat – a stark and terrifying contrast to his earlier state.
First responders discovered Zavala with severe facial trauma, still restrained by the ride’s lap bar. Universal paramedics struggled for ten agonizing minutes to release him, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
According to a paramedic’s statement, Zavala was found face down, partially falling from his seat with his legs positioned upside down. The scene painted a grim picture of the moments following the ride’s completion.
Zavala’s girlfriend, who accompanied him on the ride, informed paramedics that he used a wheelchair. He lived with a spinal disability from birth, though his family maintains this condition did not contribute to his death on September 17th.
An autopsy conducted by the Orlando area medical examiner confirmed the cause of death as blunt-impact injuries. The findings solidified the accidental nature of the tragedy.
The roller coaster, a dual-launch attraction capable of reaching 62 mph, had only recently opened to the public as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park. Its debut, now shadowed by this devastating event, occurred in May.
