Attorneys and the family will hold a Monday news conference in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. (October 3, 2025) – Nationally renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, issued the following statement after Universal announced it will reopen the Stardust Racers roller coaster this Saturday, despite the ongoing death investigation into Kevin’s September 17 fatal ride:
“Stardust Racers is evidence in an active death investigation. Reopening the ride before our experts can examine every component is unadulterated spoliation of evidence, a grave risk to public safety, and puts profit over people’s lives. Universal reportedly told employees the ride functioned as intended. If that is accurate, then the design itself is deadly. We are demanding that Universal pause the reopening, preserve all evidence, and allow our experts to inspect it. If they refuse, we will address Universal’s callous actions in court,” said Attorney Ben Crump.
Kevin’s parents, Carlos Rodriguez Ortiz and Ana Zavala, said: “By rushing to reopen this ride as if nothing happened, Universal is showing great disregard for Kevin’s life, our family’s pain, and the safety of every rider who steps onto that coaster. We are horrified that Universal would put the ride back into operation so quickly.”
WHO:
Family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Attorney Ben Crump
WHEN:
Monday, October 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown
304 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32801
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MEDIA CONTACT:
[email protected]
ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
