Accidental Death Ruling Closes Case in Epic Universe Roller Coaster Tragedy

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00:00Accidental death ruling closes case in epic universe rollercoaster tragedy.

00:06What began as a night of excitement at one of Florida's newest theme parks ended in tragedy,

00:10and now the official investigation has come to a close.

00:14According to Fox Business, Orange County authorities have ruled 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's death an accident,

00:21per a report from the sheriff's office.

00:23Investigators found no criminal wrongdoing and closed the case.

00:27Zavala was riding the Stardust Racer's rollercoaster at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe when the incident occurred.

00:33By the time the coaster returned to the loading and unloading platform, he was unresponsive.

00:38Zavala was found slumped in his seat when the ride ended.

00:41An employee told investigators that Zavala had severe facial trauma.

00:46Anna Marshall, a medical doctor waiting to board the ride, said she heard someone yelling,

00:50Get me out!

00:50Zavala's girlfriend, Havilis Cruz-Robles, said employees pressed his lap bar several times, but she believed it remained too low.

00:59As Marshall attempted to provide aid, she recalled Cruz-Robles repeatedly saying,

01:04His mom's going to kill me, referencing prior conversations about Zavala riding rollercoasters.

01:09According to his parents, Carlos Rodriguez-Ortiz and Anna Zavala, Kevin was wheelchair-bound and lived with significant medical challenges.

01:18He was born with spinal cord atrophy and had undergone multiple surgeries.

01:23Carlos told investigators that Kevin's mother had warned him against riding rollercoasters, but he continued to do so.

01:29Attorney Ben Crump said safety systems on Stardust Racers were inadequate and described its history as alarming.

01:34Universal records obtained by WOFL showed two prior injury reports tied to pre-existing conditions.

01:42Universal said it has reached an amicable resolution with the family of Kevin Rodriguez-Zavala, with the terms remaining confidential.

01:49The family thanked the community for its support and requested privacy.