UniversalParksBlog News for December 14th, 2025
Police officials have closed the investigation into the Stardust Racers tragedy.
That’s the topic of note in the latest edition of UniversalParksBlog News.
The Official Report
Universal
I realize that this is a grim story, so I’ll be more matter-of-fact than usual today.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has wrapped up its investigation into an infamous tragedy.
Facebook: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
On September 17th, theme park and roller coaster enthusiast Kevin Rodriguez Zavala rode Stardust Racers.
As we all know by now, the ride ended in tragedy, with Zavala dying at the hospital soon afterward.
Photo: Orlando Sentinel
With the case now officially closed, the Orlando Sentinel has posted details from the investigation.
I’ll warn you in advance that you may find a lot of this upsetting, so if you want to click away, I understand.
OC Register
As a reminder of the basics, when Zavala arrived at the station after the ride, he had suffered mightily.
New details reinforce the horror of this incident. According to the Sentinel:
“Blood from his wounds splattered his girlfriend, who tried to hold him back while screaming for help.”
Dr. Anna Marshall was also a vacationing guest at Universal Epic Universe that day.
Universal
As a medical doctor, Marshall responded when she heard screams coming from the riders.
In the doctor’s testimony, she indicated that Zavala was unconscious, and his body was brutalized.
The report noted that one of his legs “was completely broken in half and resting on the back of the chair.”
The Good Doctor
Attractins Magazine
While there’s a dramatic division of opinion about what happened, Marshall’s testimony is incendiary.
The doctor suggested that Team Members were “frozen” in place, making her the first person to act.
Today Show
Here’s the exact quote: The “ride staff appeared to have been frozen.”
I’ll remind you that Universal’s leadership explicitly stated that the Team Members performed admirably in a crisis situation.
Universal
Also, I’d like to add that even if they hadn’t, it’d be understandable human behavior.
These professionals were just working during an ordinary day on the job when catastrophe struck.
Epic
Before you cast aspersions, please take a moment to consider how you’d react in the same situation.
How quickly do you think you’d react if a dying person suddenly materialized at your office?
Epic
As a doctor, Marshall was used to crisis situations and behaved admirably.
That doesn’t mean Team Members did anything wrong. They’re probably traumatized by this experience, too.
Epic
Having said that, I must acknowledge Marshall’s nobility here, as what she did was amazing.
She was on vacation at Epic Universe when suddenly a tragedy unfolded near her.
Epic
Without thinking, she took charge of the scene and made every attempt to save Zavala’s life.
If Marshall is your doctor, you’re in very good hands.
Epic
Alas, she never really had a chance to save Zavala. In her own words, she thought he was dead on the scene.
The doctor told police that when she first saw the victim, he was “completely slouched over with blood surrounding him.”
Epic
The police report says that “Dr. Marshall continued to try and see if she could feel a pulse, first on his arm and then on his neck … she could not find one.”
This statement indicates that Zavala died during the ride rather than immediately afterward.
A Completed Investigation
Universal
Independent of what you or I think of the Stardust Racers incident, the case is officially closed.
I’m sparing you some of the horrific details – yes, worse than what I’ve already said – but that’s the gist.
When Zavala reached the station, he was unconscious and his body broken.
Paramedics who arrived on the scene did what they could, but it was too late.
Image: Universal
The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office has listed the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
Importantly, the Sheriff’s Department ended its investigation by noting no crimes were committed.
WESH
So, anything that happens afterward won’t involve the police. It’s up to the legal system now.
Universal officials have argued that the ride performed as expected with no malfunctions.
Universal
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service agreed with those findings.
As previously discussed, Zavala’s family is suing. Barring a settlement, this matter could drag out for years.
Universal
For the time being, Universal has adopted a business-as-usual approach to the matter.
Stardust Racers has been up and running again for more than two months without incident.
Universal
This was an unimaginable tragedy, and we may never learn why it happened.
UniversalParksBlog continues to extend its condolences to the Zavala family.
Universal Studios Miscellany
Image Credit: Universal Orlando
Acknowledging that it feels trite to mention other theme park news right now, I’ll quickly cover some stories.
Universal is testing the new digital version of the Attractions Assistance Pass.
Presuming that all goes well, it should be incorporated at the parks reasonably soon.
In case you don’t know, this pass aids guests who cannot stand in line for extended periods due to health reasons.
Photo: universal
It’s Universal’s equivalent to the Disability Access Services system that Disney uses.
Universal Orlando Resort has announced its New Year’s Eve offerings for 2025. You can find plenty of ways to ring in the New Year, including live DJs and a countdown celebration.
Universal theme parks are always tons of fun on major holidays, but that’s especially true for New Year’s Eve.
The park also revealed its Passholder Bonus Benefits for January 2026.
You can get a free lanyard, 25 percent discounts on VIP Experiences, and early admission at Volcano Bay.
Photo: Universal
Personally, I don’t think you want to be at Volcano Bay in January, but you may be a fan of the Polar Bear Plunge.
Okay, that’s it for the pre-Christmas edition of UniversalParksBlog News.
Universal
I’m genuinely sorry that it’s about as anti-festive as is humanly possible.
Still, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of Hanukkahs. Be warm, safe, and loved.
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Feature Photo: Universal
