Newly released bodycam footage is shedding new light on the tragic death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, who lost his life after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Studios Florida’s Epic Universe.
The incident took place on September 17, 2025. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala had boarded the ride with his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, but during the experience, something went terribly wrong. He suddenly lost consciousness.
According to Cruz-Robles, there were immediate concerns about his positioning and support on the ride.
“We went on the ride,” she told emergency responders in the footage, according to VT. “He was too low, he doesn’t have any support on his leg.”
Accident on Stardust Racers at Universal Studios Florida’s Epic Universe
Despite being strapped into his seat, Rodriguez lacked proper support during the ride’s initial drop. He was violently thrown about, striking his head against the restraints again and again.
Cruz-Robles described the moment in detail as she tried to help him mid-ride: “I tried – I saw him on the first drop. I saw him hit his head. I tried to hold him; I couldn’t hold him.”
“Another one, he hit his head… He just went up and hit… It looked like [the restraint] was tight, but it wasn’t because he didn’t have support on his neck,” she added.
Witnesses also described the aftermath as deeply disturbing. One person told police: “One of those ride carts – it’s just like, blood,” according to The New York Post.
Rodriguez, who used a wheelchair due to spinal cord atrophy, was transported to a nearby hospital following the incident, but later died from his injuries.
His girlfriend called for help
The footage also includes statements from family members and staff, offering further insight into what happened. Cruz-Robles said she attempted to call for help during the ride, but her cries weren’t heard amid the noise and intensity of the experience. A doctor who had been waiting in line to board later recalled seeing Rodriguez after the ride ended, describing his body as slumped over, with visible injuries and one arm hanging over the side of the cart.
Following an investigation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ruled the death accidental. Authorities stated that ride operators had followed all required safety protocols and found no evidence of negligence.
Still, the case didn’t end there.
Rodriguez’s family launched an independent investigation. By December, it was confirmed that the family had “reached an amicable resolution” with Universal, though “the terms are confidential,” according to a statement shared with the USA Today NETWORK Florida.
“Kevin was deeply loved”
His family launched a GoFundMe, asking for support to “cover the funeral and memorial expenses,” describing him as a “beloved brother, son, uncle, and friend”.
“Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul—wise beyond his years—with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding. He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own. Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility,” they wrote.
“Kevin was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. As a son, he brought warmth and pride to our parents’ hearts. As a brother and uncle, he was a source of laughter, guidance, and unconditional love. As a friend, he was loyal, thoughtful, and always present. His presence lit up every room, and his absence leaves a space no one can fill.”
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