Previous coverage: Ben Crump calls for greater government oversight after roller coaster death
ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) – The family of Kevin Rodriguez-Zavala, an Epic Universe Park visitor who died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster, has released a statement calling for the ride to close following new reports of restraint failure.
The statement came after park visitors reported that Universal’s Stardust Racer’s restraints did not lock properly, just hours after the attraction reopened.
Witness testimony and intake records from Kevin’s incident indicate that his lap bar did not properly lock until the fourth forcible attempt by the Universal ride operator to lock the restraint.
Universal has publicly stated that the ride underwent a “comprehensive review” by its own inspectors, the manufacturer, state regulators and even third-party engineers before reopening to the public.
However, Ben Crump, a civil rights and personal injury attorney hired by Kevin’s family, said in a statement that a similar restraint failure occurred within hours of resuming driving.
Kevin Rodriguez Zabala’s parents released the following statement:
“Universal said the ride was safe, but news reports say the same safety issue my son experienced happened again. This shows nothing has been fixed. They reopened the ride before giving us an answer, but the danger still exists. All passengers have the right to return home safely. Until the restraint system on this vehicle is proven safe and the truth about Kevin’s death is made public, no other passengers should be allowed on board. Kevin’s blood is on Universal’s hands until Universal does the right thing for him and everyone.” Please close Stardust Racer until you get your answer. ”
