Universal Studios Resort confirmed the Stardust Racers roller coaster at its Orlando location will resume operations Saturday afternoon, following the shutdown after a fatal incident involving a rider last month; 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died due to "multiple blunt impact injuries" on September 17, after losing consciousness on the ride, according to a report by WFTV.
In a letter to Universal team members which WFTV obtained, Universal Orlando Report president and COO Karen Irwin addressed the reopening, stating "our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout," which was further supported by tests conducted by local officials, the State of Florida, the ride manufacturer, and an independent third-party roller coaster engineering expert although Rodriguez Zavala's family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, have yet to file a lawsuit as they seek fuller explanations about the tragic event.
Following the death of Rodriguez Zavala on the Stardust Racers coaster and an undisclosed settlement reached after a woman sued over permanent injuries claimed to have been sustained on the same ride earlier in April, Universal Orlando is updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and eligibility requirements, WESH reported.
