ORLANDO, Fla. — Fresh insights have surfaced regarding the fatal accident at Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park, where a man succumbed to injuries sustained on a roller coaster. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has released its conclusive investigative report.

The investigation into the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has concluded with the determination of accidental death. Authorities found that the operators of the “Stardust Racers” roller coaster adhered to all safety guidelines and were neither negligent nor careless. However, the findings could have legal ramifications moving forward.

The report reveals that Zavala sustained catastrophic injuries during the ride on September 17, including severe facial trauma and a severely fractured femur, which an on-site doctor described as “broken in half.” The report also highlights Zavala’s pre-existing spinal and hip conditions, which might have influenced the manner in which he was propelled forward during the ride.

Despite these findings, Zavala’s family adamantly disagrees with the report’s conclusions. At a press conference following his death, their attorney, Natalie Jackson, emphasized that Zavala had been an avid roller coaster enthusiast throughout his life without any previous incidents.

“He had ridden roller coasters many times before without incident,” Jackson said. “On the day in question, he rode rides before he got on Stardust Racers.”

According to investigators, Zavala’s longtime girlfriend told detectives that a ride operator pushed down his lap restraint several times before the coaster launched. But during the first major drop, she said he “flew forward,” striking his head repeatedly on the seat or metal bar in front of him. She told investigators she tried to pull him back but was unable to.

The family’s attorneys had long predicted that Universal would ultimately be cleared of wrongdoing — a conclusion they strongly disagreed with then and are likely to challenge now.

“If the park is going to take a position that he should not have been on the ride, then they should not have assisted him to get in it,” attorney Paul Grinke said earlier.

Zavala’s sister, Lisa Rodriguez, said the family’s priority is preventing similar tragedies.

“Whether it’s adding more restrictions to the ride, or just adding more restraints,” she said. “Just figuring out a way to make it safer.”

While the sheriff’s office says no crime was committed, legal experts say that doesn’t close the door — it simply redirects the case.

Local criminal defense attorney A.J. Alvarez, who is not connected to the case, says the findings mean the criminal investigation is effectively over.

“When they return to make the finding that there was no criminal activity or liability, that’s essentially telling the state attorney’s office they don’t believe there’s any crime,” Alvarez said. “Basically, this is the end of the road.”

Alvarez said sheriff’s investigators typically review all video, interview every witness and examine physical evidence before making such a determination.

“You owe that to that individual and the family,” he said. “To make sure you have looked into every possible aspect of the investigation before making any sort of finding.”

Still, he noted that the decision only applies to criminal responsibility — not civil liability.

“Just because there is no criminal liability does not foreclose the family from seeking civil damages,” Alvarez said. “This is most likely law enforcement saying, ‘We don’t find that there’s any crime here,’ and then handing off their findings for a civil lawyer to review.”

Universal has maintained that the ride’s systems appeared to function properly and that staff followed established procedures. The company has since updated its safety and accessibility guidelines, reiterating that the attraction is not recommended for guests with back, neck, or similar medical conditions.

We reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which declined to comment beyond the written report.

Ben Crump Law, the firm that represents Zavala’s family, shared with us the following statement Saturday:

“The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential. The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.”