Details Emerge Regarding Death of Puerto Rican Man at Epic Universe Roller Coaster
New information released by rescue personnel sheds further light on teh circumstances surrounding the death of Jonathan Rodríguez Zavala at Worldwide Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe in May. Rodríguez Zavala died following an incident on the Stardust Racers roller coaster, the park’s dual-launch attraction reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour adn a maximum height of 133 feet. The coaster has remained closed since the incident.
According to reports, Universal’s paramedics informed rescue personnel that rodríguez Zavala exhibited electrical activity in his heart but lacked a pulse. Their immediate need was assistance in extricating him from the ride vehicle.
Rescue teams then removed Rodríguez Zavala and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while he was placed on a stretcher. He was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where a doctor officially pronounced him deceased.
An autopsy conducted by Forensic Doctor Joshua Stephany revealed that Rodríguez Zavala’s death was accidental,resulting from “wounds caused by multiple forceful impacts.” The specific object or objects responsible for the impacts have not yet been identified in the forensic report.
Epic Universe, which opened in May, features five themed areas and a 500-room hotel. It marks the first large-scale conventional theme park to open in Florida as Universal Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999 (Universal’s Volcano Bay Aquatic Park opened in Orlando in 2017).
Following the incident, Universal Orlando resort President Karen Irwin communicated to employees that internal investigations indicated the attraction’s systems were functioning normally, the team was properly trained, and Universal workers followed established procedures. Initial findings from researchers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reportedly aligned with Universal’s assessment.
Rodríguez Zavala’s family has stated that he was born with a spinal disability and used a wheelchair,but they maintain this condition did not contribute to his death.
