Medical examiner rules Stardust Racers death accidental; investigators find no criminal conduct or ride malfunction
The Orange County Medical Examiner has ruled the Sept. 17, 2025 death of 32‑year‑old Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala on Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers an accidental death after investigators found multiple blunt‑force injuries and no criminal conduct or ride malfunction.
Key takeaways
- Victim: Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers on Sept. 17, 2025.
- Cause and manner of death: The Orange County Medical Examiner listed multiple blunt‑force injuries and ruled the manner accidental; no evidence of foul play was found (WUSF).
- Ride review: Investigators and ride safety experts concluded the ride was functioning properly and found no criminality or mechanical malfunction (ABC News).
- Corporate resolution: Universal Orlando reached a confidential, amicable resolution with the family; terms were not disclosed (ClickOrlando).
What happened
Law enforcement, medical examiners and witnesses reconstructed a chaotic night ride at Epic Universe. Rodriguez‑Zavala and his girlfriend boarded Stardust Racers around 9 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2025. Investigators reviewed video showing him alert at dispatch but unresponsive when the train returned to the station.
Restraint issues and witness accounts
Witnesses reported that ride operators had difficulty securing Rodriguez‑Zavala’s lap bar, requiring “three or four” attempts before the restraint locked and the train was dispatched. His girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz‑Robles, told investigators that when the coaster crested the first hill and dropped, he lurched forward and struck his head on a metal bar in front of him, hitting his head several more times during the ride. She said she could not hold him back against the forces of the coaster.
“He lurched forward and struck his head on a metal bar… I could not hold him back against the forces,” — account attributed to Javiliz Cruz‑Robles per investigative reports.
First responders’ observations
When the train returned to the station, bystanders and on‑scene responders reported severe trauma. A bystander who identified herself as a doctor described both femurs appearing fractured — one thigh bone described as “completely broken in half” and resting on the back of the seat. Other witnesses described Rodriguez‑Zavala slumped over and bleeding from the face. Paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead that night.
Medical examiner findings
The Orange County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy and listed multiple blunt‑force injuries as the cause of death, documenting extensive bruising, a broken nose, internal bleeding and at least one fractured femur. The manner of death was recorded as accidental, and the examiner found no evidence of foul play (WUSF).
Investigation and ride system review
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a months‑long inquiry including witness interviews, security video review and coordination with ride safety experts. That review concluded the ride was functioning properly at the time of the incident and that no criminal conduct occurred, closing the case as an accidental death (ABC News).
Investigators emphasized questions about restraint fit: deputies noted multiple attempts to lock the lap bar and Cruz‑Robles’ account that he “flew forward” on the first drop. Those details factored into the reconstruction of how blunt‑force trauma occurred during the ride (FOX 35 Orlando).
Victim background and medical history
Public records and witness accounts indicate Rodriguez‑Zavala used a wheelchair and had a history of spinal injuries and prior surgeries. His girlfriend informed a bystander doctor that he had metal rods in his back from earlier spinal surgery. His mother had previously expressed concern about him riding roller coasters. Investigators noted these medical factors, though the on‑scene physician told deputies she did not believe paralysis alone explained the traumatic injuries.
Corporate response and legal settlement
Universal Orlando stated it reached an amicable, confidential resolution with Rodriguez‑Zavala’s family. A company spokesperson said the family requested privacy and that terms were not disclosed; this private settlement aligns with standard practice in such cases (ClickOrlando).
Investigative context: ride characteristics
Stardust Racers is a dual‑launch roller coaster at Epic Universe, marketed as a high‑speed, multi‑launch attraction with heights up to 133 feet. Public coverage has focused on the ride’s speed and forces as factors in how blunt‑force trauma may have occurred, although official documents emphasize restraint fit and the victim’s medical history as central to the outcome (ClickOrlando).
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: Many Hesperia families travel to Florida for theme‑park vacations. High‑profile incidents like this can affect travel choices, insurance considerations and local travel businesses that book long‑distance vacations. Travel agents and families should watch for safety updates and possible policy changes by parks.
Political consequences: The case could prompt discussions about federal and state standards for ride accessibility and how parks communicate eligibility rules for guests with prior injuries or disabilities — topics likely to surface among local officials and representatives.
Social effects: Community groups and families may review vetting procedures and waivers before organizing group travel; residents may seek clearer information before booking high‑thrill attractions for relatives with medical histories.
Cultural relevance: The incident raises questions about balancing thrill and safety while accommodating guests with disabilities, especially in communities emphasizing both business freedom and family protection.
Practical advice for Hesperia residents:
- Review park ride rules and accessibility information closely — Universal’s ride pages often list health advisories.
- Consult a treating physician if a family member has prior spinal surgery or implants.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies related to pre‑existing conditions.
- Ask tour operators for written guidance on ride eligibility and restraint systems.
Source documents and reporting
This article is based on reporting and official documents from ABC News, WUSF, FOX 35 Orlando and ClickOrlando, including autopsy and Orange County Sheriff’s Office findings. Reporting compiled from public records, witness interviews and official statements released December 2025.
Reporting compiled from public records, witness interviews and official statements released December 2025.
