Tragic bodycam footage shows moments after man dies on Universal theme park rollercoaster
A couple's theme park trip ended in tragedy after riding a rollercoaster at Universal's Epic Universe in Florida.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, sadly passed away in September last year after he sustained 'multiple blunt impact injuries' on the Stardust Racers ride.
Bodycam footage showing his devastated partner Javiliz Cruz-Robles explain how horror struck while they were they were reaching heights of up to 133ft has now been released.
Emergency workers were seen desperately attempting to revive Kevin in the harrowing video recorded by responding deputies who raced to the scene over six months ago.
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The wheelchair user first encountered issues on the rollercoaster when it reached the first hill, as Javiliz recalled seeing her boyfriend lurch forward and hit his head on a metal bar, Fox35 previously reported.
By the time the Stardust Racers ride had returned to the station, Kevin was unconscious. A doctor waiting in line for the rollercoaster, Anna Marshall, told officials he appeared 'lifeless' and was slouched over.
Marshall also said his femur bone appeared to have been broken in half and was lying on the back of his seat.
According to the Orange County Medical Examiner, Kevin suffered an array of devastating injuries - including a broken nose, internal bleeding, a fractured femur and extensive bruising.
Ruling his death as an accident, the autopsy also noted that Kevin suffered from several long-term medical conditions, including a congenital spinal-cord defect which resulted in paraplegia and severe scoliosis.
He had undergone surgeries throughout his life due to these health problems and relied upon a wheelchair.
Javiliz was seen telling police officers that her other half had 'hit his head' and suggested he was unable to remain secure in his seat throughout the duration of the ride.
"We went on the ride, he doesn't have any support on his legs," she said. "They pushed [the restraint] about three times maybe four...I saw him on the first drop, I saw him hit his head, I tried to hold him, I couldn't hold him.
"He just went up and hit. It looked like [his seat] was tied, but it wasn't - he doesn't have support in his legs so he can't just stay in place."
You can take a look at the bodycam footage here, but be aware that some viewers may find it distressing:
A pair of deputies were later seen inspecting the seats that Kevin and Javiliz had been riding in, with one questioning whether it was 'brain matter' or vomit that was covering them.
Kevin was subsequently taken to hospital after life-saving attempts were carried out at the scene and he was sadly pronounced dead.
Investigators later said that the Stardust Racers ride was functioning properly at the time he rode it, although staff did taken 'three or four attempts' to secure the restraint for Kevin before it set off.
The medical examiner also found no evidence of foul play, while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said nothing criminal occurred.
Kevin’s family hired attorney Ben Crump to investigate the case independently and settled with Universal Orlando outside of court, as per the Tallahassee Democrat.
In a letter to staff obtained by Fox 35, the president of Universal Orlando Resort said in part: "Our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout.
"Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides."
The ride - which hits speeds of up to 62mph while travelling along its 5,000-foot track - was temporarily closed in wake of Kevin's death.
When it reopened, a new rule was implemented which requires disabled people to be able to walk on their own if they wish to ride it.
In a GoFundMe that was launched in memory of Kevin, his loved ones described him as 'truly one of a kind', saying: "He had an old soul - wise beyond his years - with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding.
"He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own. Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility. His presence lit up every room, and his absence leaves a space no one can fill."
Topics: US News, Theme Park
Olivia Burke