The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the cause of death for 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the man who was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park.

Officials reported that Rodriguez Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries, with the manner of death ruled as accidental. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, when Rodriguez Zavala, a guest at the park, rode the high-speed roller coaster attraction.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, off-duty deputies who were present in the park quickly responded to a “man down” call. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.

Law enforcement and medical examiners quickly began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Eyewitnesses noted a large police and forensic presence near the attraction, with crime scene vans and investigators taking photographs of the ride vehicle stationed in the loading area. Chopper 2 footage captured overhead images of the activity, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.

Universal Orlando Resort released a public statement shortly after the tragedy, expressing their devastation and offering condolences to Rodriguez Zavala’s family. The company emphasized its commitment to working closely with authorities to determine what happened:

“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. 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.”

Rodriguez Zavala’s death has left family, friends, and the community in mourning. He was identified as a young man in the prime of his life whose outing to enjoy a new theme park ride ended in unimaginable tragedy. While details about his background remain private, those who knew him are grieving his sudden loss and remembering the joy and kindness he brought into their lives.

The Stardust Racers, one of Epic Universe’s signature attractions, remains closed until further notice as authorities and park safety officials conduct inspections and reviews. As with all roller coasters, the ride had undergone extensive testing and regulatory safety checks prior to opening. However, when a fatality occurs, procedures require a full halt to operations until investigators can ensure the attraction poses no additional risks to guests.

Theme park accidents, though rare, often draw widespread attention because of the high safety standards typically maintained by the industry. This tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about ride safety and guest well-being at major amusement destinations.

For now, Rodriguez Zavala’s loved ones and the broader Orlando community are left grappling with the sudden loss. The tragic accident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life, even in spaces typically associated with joy and entertainment.