Share and Follow
ORLANDO, Fla. – Attorney Ben Crump is expected to hold a news conference on Monday, condemning Universal’s decision to reopen Stardust Racers, just weeks after Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the roller coaster.
The ride, which had been closed since Rodriguez Zavala’s death on Sept. 17, reopened on Saturday after the safety and accessibility guides for Epic Universe and its sister Central Florida theme parks were updated.
[VIDEO: Stardust Racers reopening with new safety rules after guest’s death]
After his death, Rodriguez Zavala’s family retained prominent civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, who has called for the release of video, ride data, and more to understand the circumstances around the man’s death.
[VIDEO: Family of man who died after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe hires attorney Ben Crump]
“Stardust Racers is evidence in an active death investigation. Reopening the ride before our experts can examine every component is unadulterated spoliation of evidence, a grave risk to public safety, and puts profit over people’s lives. Universal reportedly told employees the ride functioned as intended. If that is accurate, then the design itself is deadly. We are demanding that Universal pause the reopening, preserve all evidence, and allow our experts to inspect it. If they refuse, we will address Universal’s callous actions in court,” said Attorney Ben Crump.
A medical examiner determined that Rodriguez Zavala suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries,” as well as that his death was an accident. Further, an incident report obtained by News 6 states Rodriguez Zavala had a “preexisting spinal injury,” though it’s unclear whether that contributed.
[VIDEO: Attorney questions Universal’s safety measures after complaints of Stardust Racers coaster]
The news conference is expected to start at 11:30 a.m., and ClickOrlando will stream it live when it happens.
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.