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Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive on Wednesday, September 17, after riding the Stardust Racer roller coaster at Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida.
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The medical examiner’s office previously said Zavala died of “multiple blunt force injuries” and determined his death was an accident
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The Sheriff’s Office completed its investigative report in December, concluding that “no criminal conduct occurred in this case.”
Authorities have released a final report detailing the investigation into the death of a 32-year-old Florida man on a roller coaster.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racer roller coaster at Epic Universe theme park in Orlando on Wednesday, September 17. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties said in a statement previously shared with PEOPLE that an autopsy revealed he died of “multiple blunt force injuries,” noting that his death was ruled an accident.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement released Thursday, Dec. 11, that their report also concluded his death was accidental.
“Since it has been determined that no criminal conduct occurred in this case, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s role in this case is concluded,” they added.
The lengthy final report into his death included two interviews with the man’s girlfriend, who was in the car with him and said it took several attempts to “secure the safety bar around Kevin.”
When they got on the ride, she “said she noticed the knee bar seemed too low,” but the ride operator “continued to push the knee bar … until it locked into place,” police wrote in the report.
An employee who assisted in tightening the waist bar said they “followed the correct procedure” and “nudged” the bar until it indicated it was “suitable for him to ride.” The employee said they then “followed our procedures and visually re-inspected the tie bars and we were able to get through the train.”
Although his girlfriend believed he was well-protected and saw “no signs of discomfort,” during the first descent, she said he “partially left his seat and hit his head on a metal pole in front of them,” according to the report.
The report continued: “As the ride continued, Javeliz Cruz-Robles said he kept hitting his head on the railing in front of them as the ride descended.”
“Javiriz tried to stop him but was unsuccessful,” police wrote, noting that although she “screamed for help… due to being in the middle of the train, no one heard her scream for help until the train car approached the station.”
According to a sworn statement from ride staff, the man was still restrained by his seat belt when they realized what had happened and they observed he had multiple injuries to his face and “significant blood loss.”
Kevin’s parents, Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz and Anne Zavala, said their son “was born with spinal cord atrophy, specifically of the T2-T5 vertebrae, and will require surgeries throughout his life.” They went on to tell investigators that their wheelchair-using son “had a prior hip dislocation that required surgery” as well as a previous femur fracture.
When they interviewed the man’s girlfriend for a second time, she said she had “just learned” about his previous hip injury, but said she “surmised” it “might have been the reason he was so far out of his seat.”
After reviewing all the evidence, police said they determined “all Epic Universe employees appeared to have followed standard operating procedures and there were no careless or negligent acts.”
“Based on the totality of the circumstances, and considering the known and available evidence, including sworn testimony, video surveillance, the findings of the Ninth District Medical Examiner’s Office, and standard operating procedures provided by Epic Universe, this case is being treated as an accidental death and is therefore closed,” police added.
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After Kevin’s death, his family hired attorney Ben Crump, who said they would conduct an independent investigation.
Kevin is remembered by his loved ones as “a heart full of compassion, love and understanding.”
“Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul and was wise beyond his years,” loved ones wrote in a message on a GoFundMe set up on behalf of his family. “He was someone who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice and inspire others, even when he faced challenges himself.”
“As a son, he brought warmth and pride to our parents’ hearts. As a brother and uncle, he was a source of laughter, guidance and unconditional love,” the message continued. “As a friend, he was loyal, thoughtful and always present. His presence lit up every room and his absence left a space that no one could fill.”
Read the original article on People
