ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The death of a 32-year-old man after riding a high-speed roller coaster at a Universal Studios theme park was ruled accidental, ending an investigation after authorities received conclusive evidence from security footage and medical examinations.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala appeared engaged and alert at the start of the ride, but he was found unresponsive and slouched over by the end, confirmed the Orange County Sheriff’s Office report. Witness accounts revealed Zavala suffered severe facial injuries during the ride.
The ride's operators struggled to release the lap bar for approximately ten minutes after it stopped, as Zavala hung face down in his seat, which had caused additional distress noted by Universal paramedics.
Zavala's girlfriend, who was with him during the incident, told responders that he had used a wheelchair in the past, having been born with a spinal disability. However, family attorneys later clarified that his disability did not cause the tragic accident on September 17.
The local medical examiner concluded that Zavala died from blunt-impact injuries, labeling the death as an accident.
The dual-launch coaster, which opened in May at the new Universal Orlando Resort theme park, can hit speeds of up to 62 mph (100 kph), adding to the severity of the incident.
The media office representing Zavala's family has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the findings released by the sheriff's office.
