ORLANDO, Fla. — The attorney for the family of the man who died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe on Sept. 17 held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss his death.
Attorney Ben Crump began by emphasizing how Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was loved by his family, friends and others in his life.
He noted previous reporting that said Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition, one he said the 32-year-old had been living with since birth.
Members of Crump’s legal team pointed out that Universal employees were at least partially aware of Zavala’s disability, because they made accommodations for it so he could experience the ride.
Crump also addressed a letter that Universal sent to employees following the incident. In that letter Universal Orlando’s president said the ride operated as intended.
“It’s very important that it’s transparent, not only to Kevin’s family, but to your families, too,” Crump said, adding that he believed “everybody needs to know what were the safety deviations that caused this.”
Thus far, investigators for Universal Orlando and the state have not reported finding any such deviations.
Members of Zavala’s family also shared their thoughts at the news conference.
“Like I told you, I don’t know what else to do in order for this guy here to help me out, that nothing else happens to somebody else in that attraction,” said Carlos Rodriguez Zavala, Kevin’s father. “I don’t want anybody else to feel how I feel right now.”
Memorial services for Kevin Rodriguez Zavala will be held Friday, his family announced.
Spectrum News 13 reached out to Universal for comments on statements by Crump and Zavala’s family. No response has been received yet.
Officials with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that they did not have any updates to share about the investigation into Zavala’s death.
Keith Landry
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