By Editor,Laura Parnaby

Copyright dailymail

A 32-year-old man who was killed on a new rollercoaster in a Florida theme park used a wheelchair and died of blunt force trauma, officials said.

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was named by his family as the victim in the tragic death aboard the Stardust Racers ride at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando.

It’s unclear what caused the trauma, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate.

Local media reported that Zavala did not fall from the ride, but sustained injuries while on board.

‘His presence lit up every room, and his absence leaves a space no one can fill,’ his family wrote on a GoFundMe page set up Zavala to cover his funeral costs.

‘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.’

Stardust Racers hurtles along at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and heights of 133 feet along a 5,000-foot track.

It features two rollercoasters that race and cross paths during the ride, and creators said it was designed to mimic the feeling of a comet racing through space.

Universal Epic Universe’s website warns that the ride includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, inversion and dropping.

Stardust Racers launched on May 22, 2025, and was one of the most highly-anticipated attractions at the theme park.

It closed following Zavala’s death, and the park has not said whether it will reopen.

‘Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,’ a spokesperson for the theme park said following the tragedy.

‘We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones.

‘We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.’

Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride and can choose between two coaster tracks.

Depending on the ride, warnings may include restrictions for expectant mothers and guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other health concerns.

Theme parks across Florida – including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando – have reported a range of injuries in the second half of 2025.

In April, a 76-year-old woman fell and injured her leg while exiting Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park, People reported.

Then, in May, an 87-year-old guest with pre-existing conditions lost consciousness after riding Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Just a month later, in June, a 44-year-old man experienced right arm pain while visiting the Liberty Bell attraction.