Man Dies on Universal's Stardust Racers Ride

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man from Kissimmee, Florida, died on September 17 while riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando. The incident occurred just before 9 p.m., when Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to a lifelong spinal condition, was secured in the ride's lap bar restraint alongside his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles.

According to a report released Thursday by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Cruz-Robles told investigators that ride operators adjusted Zavala's lap bar multiple times before the ride began, eventually confirming it was properly locked in the green position. Surveillance video showed Zavala appearing alert and engaged at the launch point. However, as the coaster descended its first hill, reaching speeds of up to 62 miles per hour, Zavala lunged forward and struck his head on the bar in front of him. Cruz-Robles said she tried to hold him back as he hit his head several more times during the ride, but her cries for help went unheard until the train neared the station. The Stardust Racers, a dual-track attraction that opened in May in the park's Celestial Park section, climbs to 133 feet and features a...