HE NEEDS TO KNOW
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Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found Wednesday, September 17, after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, and was later pronounced dead.
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The medical examiner’s office previously said Zavala died of “multiple blunt force injuries” and ruled his death an accident
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The sheriff’s office completed its investigative report in December, concluding that “no criminal wrongdoing occurred in this case.”
Authorities have released a final report detailing their investigation into the death of a 32-year-old man after riding a roller coaster in Florida.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park on Wednesday, September 17. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
An autopsy revealed he died of “multiple blunt force injuries,” the chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties said in a previous statement shared with PEOPLE, noting that his death was ruled an accident.
In a statement released Thursday, Dec. 11, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said their report was concluded and that his death was accidental.
“Since it has been determined that no criminal acts occurred in this case, this concludes the role of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in this case,” they added.
The lengthy final report on his death includes two interviews with the man’s girlfriend, who was traveling with him and said it took several attempts to “secure the safety bar around Kevin”.
As they got on the ride, she “stated that she noticed the lap bar appeared to be too low,” but that the operator “continued to push on the lap bar … until it locked,” police wrote in the report.
An employee who witnessed the attachment of the lap bar, said they “followed the proper procedures” and gave the lap bar a “little push” until the indication stated “it was good for him to ride.” The employee stated that they then “visually checked the turn bar again, per our procedures, and we were able to clear the train.”
Although his friend thought he was well secured and saw “no sign of discomfort,” when he first fell on the ride, she said he “came partially out of the seat and hit his head on the metal bar in front of them,” according to the report.
“As the ride continued, Javiliz Cruz-Robles said he continuously hit his head on the bar in front of them as the ride descended,” the report continued.
“Javiliz tried to restrain him but was unsuccessful,” police wrote, noting that although she was “crying for help … due to being in the middle of the journey, no one heard her scream for help until the train car approached the station.”
According to sworn statements from employees at the ride, when they realized what was happening, the man was still attached to the bar on his lap and noticed he had multiple injuries to his face as well as a “significant amount of blood loss.”
According to Kevin’s parents, Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz and Anne Zavala, their son “was born with spinal cord atrophy, specifically at his T2-T5 vertebra, which required lifelong surgeries.” They went on to tell investigators that their son, who used a wheelchair, had a “previous hip dislocation that required surgery” as well as a previous femur fracture.
As they interviewed the man’s girlfriend a second time, she said she had “just found out” about the previous hip injury, but said she was “guessing” that “could have been the cause of him going so far out of the chair”.
After reviewing all the evidence, police said they determined “it appears that all Epic Universe employees followed their standard operating procedures and did not act in a negligent or negligent manner.”
“Based on the totality of the circumstances, considering the known and available evidence, which includes affidavits, video surveillance, the findings of the Ninth District Medical Examiner’s Office, standard operating procedures provided by Epic Universe, this case has been deemed an accidental death and has been closed accordingly,” police added.
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After Kevin’s death, his family retained attorney Ben Crump, who said he would conduct an independent investigation.
Kevin was remembered by loved ones as having a “heart full of compassion, love and understanding”.
“Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul – wise beyond his years,” loved ones wrote in a message on a GoFundMe set up on his family’s behalf. “He was the kind of person who always took the time to listen, offer thoughtful advice and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own.”
“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, caring and ever-present. His presence brightened every room, and his absence leaves a void that no one can fill.”
Read the original article on People