Photo: GREGG NEWTON / AFP / Getty Images
(Orlando, FL) - Attorney Benjamin Crump says there was a pattern of injury before a wheelchair-bound man died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando.
Crump represents the family of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and says Universal was aware that other people who were not disabled were complaining about restraint problems.
Crump is demanding that the ride be shut down until is made safe and all investigations have been concluded.
Universal has already settled another case involving injury on the same ride but says it was functioning properly on the day of Zavala's death.
Universal says they inspected the Stardust Racers roller coaster, and it has been deemed safe.
Crump says his team is conducting an independent investigation of the ride and other people have complained to officials about being injured on the same ride.
He adds that it would be wrong for Universal to blame the victim, who suffered from a neck disability even though Universal protocol states that disabled people should not ride the roller coaster.
But Crump asks, then why did they help Zavala on board?
He contends that the ride is a public safety concern and needs greater government oversight rather than just self-reporting.
Kevin's family says he loved theme parks and rode roller coasters regularly. Family adds that they have not heard from Universal.
Crump says the law that Florida passed after the death of his other client, Tyre Sampson, did not apply to Universal. The company was exempt, so he is asking for more oversight.
14-year-old Sampson fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON Park on March 24, 2022.
The Tyre Sampson Act went into effect in 2023 and introduced stricter safety requirements for amusement rides.
- Rides over 100 feet must have both seat belts and harnesses.
- Rides must be inspected and certified by independent regulatory agencies.
- Operators must report accidents promptly, and the state can impound unsafe rides.
- Changes to rides, such as modifications to sensors or restraints, must be documented and justified.