ORLANDO, Fla. — In a letter obtained by Spectrum News, Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin addressed employees about the recent death of guest Kevin Zavala on Stardust Racers.
In the letter, Irwin says that internal findings show the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” throughout the duration of the ride.
Iwrin added that the attraction will remain closed as the company continues to “work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates theme park rides, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had investigators on scene Friday amid an ongoing investigation over the incident.
The agency said that, “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.”
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties stated that an autopsy was performed on Thursday morning and the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
The cause of death was determined to be an accident.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office incident report, investigators were told at the scene that Zavala had a preexisting spinal injury.
This week marks four months since Universal’s Epic Universe opened to the public.
Spectrum News Staff
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