By Elena Vasquez, Lead Editor
VNN | October 6, 2025
ORLANDO, FL – In a raw, emotional press conference just moments ago on October 6, 2025, the mother of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala—the 32-year-old father who tragically died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe—delivered a gut-wrenching statement blasting the theme park giant for its “great disrespect” in reopening the ride during an ongoing investigation. Ana Zavala, flanked by her husband Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, revealed shocking allegations that a ride operator allegedly “held down the safety bar” on her son to force a “green light” for dispatch, potentially contributing to the blunt force trauma that claimed his life on September 17. As Universal Orlando defiantly resumes operations on the dueling coaster today—less than three weeks after Zavala’s death—the family demands full closure until all evidence is examined, warning that “rushing to reopen as if nothing happened” endangers every guest. For families with Epic Universe tickets, this is your cue: Cancel vacations and demand refunds now—Universal’s cavalier approach amid unresolved safety lapses poses a grave threat to all riders.
The presser, streamed live on social media, came hours after Stardust Racers fired up again following a brief closure. Ana Zavala, voice trembling with grief, recounted her son’s final moments: “Kevin was a happy person who loved theme parks—we never put limits on him. But now, Universal is showing great disrespect by reopening without answers.” She alleged that witnesses and preliminary findings suggest the operator manually forced the restraint—bypassing standard safety protocols—to clear the ride for launch, leading to Zavala’s head slamming repeatedly against the bar. “Multiple blunt impact injuries,” as ruled by the Orange County Medical Examiner, align with this claim, per Crump, who called it “consistent and troubling.” Zavala, who used a wheelchair for a pre-existing spinal injury, had been cleared to ride but suffered catastrophic trauma post-dispatch.
Crump, representing the Zavala family, amplified the outrage: “Universal missed red flags—this ride had a history of complaints before Kevin’s death.” He pointed to the April 30, 2025, incident where Sandi Streets sued for whiplash from “violent head shaking” against the restraint, settling confidentially on September 28. “The operator holding down the bar? That’s not protocol; it’s negligence,” Crump stated, vowing lawsuits if Universal doesn’t halt operations. The family, raising $75,000 via GoFundMe for Zavala’s two young children, pleaded: “Keep it closed until the investigation ends—no more lives lost.”
Universal’s response? A curt internal memo from President Karen Irwin dated October 3, announcing the reopening with “new safety guides, symbols, and requirements”—vague additions like enhanced accessibility warnings and restraint checks, but no mention of bogey overhauls or bar mechanisms. State inspectors from Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services certified the ride “normal” pre-death, but the probe—led by Orange County Sheriff’s Office—remains active, with no public report on operator actions or restraint logs. Eyewitness videos circulating on Instagram show Zavala unresponsive immediately after, rushed by off-duty deputies to Orlando Health Celebration Hospital, where he succumbed hours later.
This isn’t isolated recklessness. Stardust Racers, a Mack Rides dueling coaster launched with Epic Universe in May 2025, has drawn complaints of excessive G-forces and head-banging since previews. VNN’s expert Brian Cox (credentials verified) rode it in summer 2025, noting “uncontrollable whipping” from worn bogeys—wheel assemblies gouging tracks, atypical for a new build. “Forcing the bar for a green light? That’s a dispatch shortcut ignoring safety interlocks,” Cox warned. “Reopening mid-probe risks more Zavala tragedies—Universal’s prioritizing profits over protocols.”
The family alleges systemic failures: No pre-ride medical waivers for spinal issues, inadequate operator training, and rushed certification amid Epic Universe’s $2 billion hype. Crump ties it to broader industry woes, citing Disney’s recent Guardians of the Galaxy mishaps and Six Flags fatalities, demanding federal oversight via the CPSC. Universal insists “enhanced protocols” suffice, but with wait times already at 45 minutes post-reopen, crowds flock unaware of the shadows.
Universal can do right: Shut it down fully, fix restraints/bogeys, and cooperate transparently. But reopening without physical changes and only policy changes? It’s a grave threat—every rider risks Zavala’s fate if maintenance lags. It also exposes Universal for making policy changes that perhaps should have existed before the accidental death. Families: One opportunity—cancel via 1-800-711-0080 or online, citing the probe. TripAdvisor and AAA honor such refunds; don’t gamble lives for thrills.
From conservatives’ view, this exposes corporate overreach: Theme parks, like media, spin safety for shareholder smiles, shunning accountability until lawsuits force it. As Micah 6:8 urges, “Act justly and love mercy”—Universal, mercy for the vulnerable starts with closure.
VNN presses for answers; we’ll update as probes unfold.
At VNN, we’re committed to Valiant, Verified, and Vanguard reporting—delivering facts with respect for institutions and an eye toward liberty’s defense. Safety first—cancel now.
Signed,
Elena Vasquez
Lead Editor, VNN
