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Florida Says It Has No Records From Epic Universe Coaster Death Review as Manufacturer Defends Ride

Because state inspectors could only observe at Universal, the active sheriff’s case is the sole investigation with legal authority.

Overview

  • FDACS told News 6 it has no notes, reports, photos, videos, or emails from its staff’s multi-day presence after the Sept. 17 death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.
  • Five days after the incident, FDACS publicly said its current findings aligned with Universal’s conclusion that Stardust Racers functioned as intended despite having no documentation.
  • Veteran state inspector Mark Gonzalez spent roughly 15 hours over four days at Epic Universe yet produced no reports, the agency confirmed.
  • Mack Rides CEO Christian von Elverfeldt said specialists reported the coaster worked perfectly and offered condolences to the family.
  • The Orange County Sheriff’s Office continues its criminal investigation and asked that the autopsy be withheld, while Universal reopened the ride Oct. 4 with new transfer requirements and strengthened health warnings.