Mack Rides CEO Breaks Silence on Epic Universe Death, Says Coaster Operated as Designed
His first public remarks at IAAPA followed specialists’ assessments that the ride functioned normally as reviews of the September incident continue.
Overview
- Christian von Elverfeldt offered condolences in a WESH 2 interview at the IAAPA Expo on November 18 and said specialists reported Stardust Racers “worked perfectly.”
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died on September 17 after riding Stardust Racers, with the medical examiner citing multiple blunt-force impact injuries.
- Universal Orlando reopened the coaster on October 4 after internal and third-party reviews and implemented updated rider requirements.
- The Rodriguez Zavala family had asked that the attraction remain closed until more answers were available, but operations resumed with revised policies.
- Mack Rides had not commented publicly before the IAAPA interview, and investigations into the incident remain underway.