A recent investigation by News 6 has revealed that Universal Orlando initially reported Kevin Rodriguez Zavala's death on the Stardust Racers roller coaster as being due to 'pre-existing conditions'. This was changed after a Florida government agency intervened. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was born with spinal atrophy and used a wheelchair, died from multiple blunt impact injuries after riding the roller coaster. Universal Orlando executives and law enforcement investigators have not disclosed how the 32-year-old sustained those fatal injuries. The company's initial report, which mentioned 'pre-existing conditions', was later altered after discussions with state employees. The altered report was then published on the government website for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). A spokesperson for Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson confirmed that Universal Orlando submitted an updated report, but did not disclose the reason for the change. Under Florida law, amusement rides at large theme parks like Universal Orlando are exempt from state oversight, but they are required to self-report ride-related fatalities and injuries that result in more than 24 hours of hospitalization. The company's most recent injury report to FDACS included two other entries associated with a 'pre-existing condition', but the details of these conditions were not disclosed. Lawyers representing Rodriguez Zavala's family have denied that his disability contributed to his death, and an attorney has rejected suggestions that he may have ignored posted signs warning the roller coaster was not allowed for guests with certain medical issues. The state agency issued a public statement indicating it concurred with Universal Orlando's internal assessment that the roller coaster 'functioned as intended'. The medical examiner and the Orange County Sheriff's Office have declined to release records related to Rodriguez Zavala's death, citing an exemption to Florida's public record law that allows law enforcement agencies to withhold 'active criminal investigative information'.
