Overview

• Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died on Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers, with the medical examiner citing multiple blunt impact injuries.
• Universal closed the coaster briefly and then reopened it with new rider warnings and requirements after internal reviews.
• Florida allows major parks to self-inspect rides, unlike California’s system of state-mandated inspections.
• Reporting of ride injuries in Florida largely rests with operators, raising concerns about transparency and public visibility into safety practices.
• Advocates are pressing for legislative changes, with calls for independent state inspections as questions persist over the influence of Disney and Universal’s political donations.