After death on rollercoaster, Universal says ride functioned as intended'

"An Epic Universe roller coaster worked properly the day a man was found unresponsive on it and later died, Universal Orlando Resort's president wrote in a memo obtained by the Orlando Sentinel on Monday. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night of multiple blunt impact injuries shortly after riding Stardust Racers, according to the Orange County medical examiner. Universal's internal review found that staff members correctly followed procedures, Karen Irwin, Universal's president, wrote in a letter to employees addressing Zavala's death."

"Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride's start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle's return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures, she wrote. The attraction will remain closed while the review continues in conjunction with the ride manufacturer, Irwin added."

"Investigations are also being conducted by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state agency generally responsible for regulating theme park rides. The department's current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information, said Aaron Keller, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available."

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday night of multiple blunt impact injuries shortly after riding the Stardust Racers attraction at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe. Universal Orlando's internal review found staff followed procedures and that ride systems and equipment functioned as intended before, during, and after the ride. The attraction will remain closed while Universal reviews the incident with the ride manufacturer. Investigations are under way by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the state agency said its findings align with Universal's. The Orange County medical examiner ruled the death accidental.

Read at www.orlandosentinel.com