New Body-Camera Video Adds Detail to Epic Universe Coaster Death as Investigations Conclude Accident

What the newly released video documents

Body-worn camera footage made public in recent days provides a closer look at the emergency response after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.

The video captures first responders arriving at the attraction platform and finding Zavala still seated in the ride vehicle with the restraint in place while on-scene personnel had already begun medical intervention. The footage shows an urgent attempt to assess responsiveness and continue life-saving measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, before Zavala is moved for transport.

Timeline of the incident and medical findings

Zavala became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers on Sept. 17, 2025. Emergency crews responded to a medical call at the attraction and he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries and classified the manner of death as an accident. Early public statements did not detail the location of the injuries, but later reporting based on investigative documents described traumatic impacts consistent with repeated head strikes during the ride.

What investigators concluded

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office later released an investigative report concluding there was no evidence of a criminal act and that employees followed established procedures. Investigators described security video showing Zavala appearing alert at the start of the ride and unresponsive by the time the train returned to the station.

State officials also observed testing and reviewed information after the death. While Florida’s oversight structure for large theme parks differs from smaller attractions, state representatives publicly indicated their reviewed findings aligned with the park’s internal assessment that the coaster functioned as intended.

Safety rules, accessibility requirements, and the reopened ride

Stardust Racers was closed immediately following the incident and later reopened. Around the reopening, the park’s published safety and accessibility guidance was updated, including clearer restrictions and warnings related to certain physical conditions and rider transfer requirements for guests using mobility devices.

Attorneys representing Zavala’s family have publicly disputed that his disability was a contributing factor and have sought additional documentation, including ride data and video, to better understand how the injuries occurred.

Key verified points

• The death occurred after Zavala rode Stardust Racers on Sept. 17, 2025.
• The medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries.
• Body-camera footage shows the immediate response on the attraction platform and the effort to resuscitate and transport him.
• Law enforcement later concluded there was no criminal act and cited adherence to procedures.
• The coaster was closed after the incident and later reopened with updated published rider guidance.

If you or someone you know experiences a medical emergency in a theme-park setting, seek immediate help from on-site health services and call 911. Theme parks also publish ride-specific restrictions that riders are expected to follow.