Investigation Finds Stardust Racers Accidental Death; Officials Cite Blunt‑Impact Injuries on Universal Orlando Roller Coaster
Orange County authorities have ruled the 2025 death of Kevin Rodriguez‑Zavala on Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers roller coaster accidental, finding multiple blunt‑impact injuries, no criminality or mechanical malfunction, and concluding a months‑long investigation, officials reported.
Key takeaways
- Ruling: Orange County Medical Examiner listed multiple blunt‑force injuries as the cause of death; the sheriff’s office closed the probe as an accidental death with no criminality found.
- Sequence: Security video and witnesses show Rodriguez‑Zavala was “engaged and well” at dispatch but returned unresponsive after apparent repeated head impacts.
- Restraints and operation: Stardust Racers uses lap‑bar restraints; witnesses reported attendants took “three or four” attempts to lock bars before dispatch and struggled to release them after the incident.
- Family and resolution: Universal cooperated with investigators and reportedly reached a private resolution with the family; civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump represented the family.
Investigation overview
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office led a months‑long inquiry that reviewed security footage, interviewed witnesses and staff, and examined medical and paramedic reports. Investigators found no evidence of foul play, criminality, or mechanical malfunction and closed the case as an accidental death.
Sequence of events on the ride
Security camera footage and witness accounts formed the backbone of the investigation. Video showed Rodriguez‑Zavala was described as “engaged and well” when the train left the station, but by return he was unresponsive and slouched over. His girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz‑Robles, told investigators the first sign of trouble came as the train crested the initial hill; she said Rodriguez‑Zavala lurched forward and struck his head on a metal bar during the first major drop, then suffered additional head impacts as the ride continued.
Cruz‑Robles said she attempted to hold him back and cried for help, but other riders and staff did not hear her until the train neared the station. When the train stopped, witnesses and staff observed Rodriguez‑Zavala bleeding from the face with his body contorted in the seat; a Universal paramedic noted the guest was “stuck on the ride vehicle face down, falling out of his seat, with legs inverted.”
Restraint, ride operation and timing issues
Stardust Racers uses a lap‑bar restraint system. Investigators reported the lap bar was secured when the train returned to the station, but multiple witnesses — including ride staff and Cruz‑Robles — said attendants needed “three or four” attempts to get the lap bar locked before dispatch. After the incident, operators reportedly struggled for about 10 minutes to release the lap bar so paramedics could access Rodriguez‑Zavala and remove him from the vehicle. Inspectors concluded the coaster itself was functioning properly and identified no mechanical failure that contributed to the event.
Medical findings and injuries
Rodriguez‑Zavala was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead that night. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s autopsy listed multiple blunt‑force injuries as the cause of death and documented severe facial trauma, a broken nose, extensive bruising, internal bleeding and a fractured femur. A witness physician told deputies the thigh bone was “completely broken in half” and indicated he showed no signs of life when removed from the train.
A responding doctor identified as Dr. Marshall rendered aid and later told deputies she did not believe Rodriguez‑Zavala’s lack of leg use alone explained the injuries and that his spinal disability was not the sole reason the injuries occurred.
Disability, medical history and family concerns
Investigators documented Rodriguez‑Zavala’s medical history: he used a wheelchair, had prior spinal surgery with metal rods in his back, and a record of spinal injuries. Family members and Cruz‑Robles have publicly stated they do not believe his spinal disability alone caused his death, and his mother had previously expressed concern about him riding roller coasters.
Law‑enforcement review and final determination
The sheriff’s office reviewed security footage, interviewed witnesses, staff, first responders and Cruz‑Robles, and examined medical and paramedic records. The final report concluded the death was accidental, found “no criminality,” and closed the investigation.
Universal Orlando’s response and family resolution
Universal said it cooperated with investigators and offered condolences to the family. The family was represented by civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump; his office did not publicly comment on the final sheriff’s report. On Dec. 13, 2025, outlets reported that Universal and the family reached an amicable resolution, with a Universal spokesperson saying, “This matter has been amicably resolved. The family has asked for privacy at this time.” No settlement terms were disclosed publicly.
Stardust Racers and Epic Universe context
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s newest park and Stardust Racers was promoted as a flagship dual‑launch coaster that reaches up to 133 feet and roughly 62 mph. Public coverage has focused on lap‑bar fit, the reported multiple attempts to secure restraints before dispatch, and how the ride’s forces may have interacted with Rodriguez‑Zavala’s body and preexisting spinal hardware.
Implications for Redding, California
Safety awareness for travelers: Many Redding residents travel to theme parks; this ruling underscores the need to follow posted safety warnings and to speak up if a restraint does not feel secure. Parents and caretakers should double‑check ride rules and discuss medical history with park staff when appropriate.
Accessibility and accommodations: The case raises questions about how parks accommodate guests with disabilities. Redding families who rely on wheelchairs or have spinal surgeries may seek clearer guidance from parks about ride safety and device restrictions. Local advocacy groups can press for clearer policies and signage.
Travel industry and liability: Negative publicity can affect travel decisions and businesses in Redding that sell vacation packages. The reported resolution and involvement of a high‑profile attorney highlight legal risks and may increase local demand for counsel and claims guidance related to travel incidents.
Practical steps: Before booking, Redding families should review ride restrictions on park websites, ask about restraint types and staff training, document medical concerns, carry medical information, and notify ride attendants if any fit or safety concern exists.
Sources and reporting notes
This report draws on official findings reported by local and national outlets. Key sources include ABC News, WUSF, Fox 35 Orlando, and ClickOrlando. The reporting is based on security footage review, witness interviews, ride operation logs, and medical and investigative records cited above.
