Kevin Rodriguez Zavala loved visiting theme parks and riding roller coasters. He lived in Kissimmee, Florida, home to both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, so the opportunity often presented itself. In September 2025, Rodriguez Zavala was with his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, at Universal Epic Universe and wanted to ride the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The pair had no idea it would be his last big adventure. Rodriguez Zavala, who was a wheelchair user, died on the ride, leaving family and friends heartbroken.
Newly released body cam footage shows the horrific aftermath.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office recently released body cam footage from the September 17 accident obtained by Fox 35. Paramedics valiantly performed CPR in an attempt to resuscitate the 32-year-old man. As they did, Cruz-Robles spoke with first responders. “We went on the ride,” she said. “He was too low, he doesn’t have any support on his leg.”
Cruz-Robles said she tried to help. The devastated girlfriend explained in the footage that she saw Rodriguez Zavala hit his head on the first drop, but there was nothing she could do to help him. She recalled seeing his head bounce off the bar multiple times. “He kept hitting his head, I tried to hold him so he doesn’t hit his head anymore,” she shared, per Fox 35.
A doctor on the scene recalled the fateful day.
Per court documents obtained by WESH, a physician witness told the sheriff’s department that Rodriguez Zavala appeared “completely slouched over with blood surrounding him.” The doctor recalled the ride staff reportedly standing frozen, so she ran toward Rodriguez Zavala, hoping to help.
“She noted that he was completely unresponsive as his arm was hanging over the side. She continued to try and see if she could feel a pulse, first on his arm and then on his neck, which she could not find one,” the report stated.
Cruz-Robles made a sworn statement that staff at the Stardust Racers appeared to have a difficult time with Rodriguez Zavala’s restraint, WESH reported. “Directly before the ride began, a universal ride employee pushed down on Zavala’s lap restraint multiple times,” his girlfriend said.
The sheriff’s office report found no criminal acts on the day Rodriguez Zavala died.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office found Epic Universal not responsible for Rodriguez’s death, but Universal Studios made changes after the September tragedy.
Following Rodriguez Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando updated its requirements for riding Stardust Racers, Dragon Racer’s Rally, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, WESH reported. Guests using mobility devices must be able to walk independently to ride the attractions.
None of the changes will bring Rodriguez Zavala back, but they might prevent a similar tragedy while riding roller coasters. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and everyone who shared in the horrific experience.
