Entertainment
Disability played no role in man’s death after riding Universal roller coaster, lawyers say
Lawyers representing the family of a 32-year-old man who died after riding on a Universal Orlando Resort roller coaster said he likely died as a result of an injury incurred during the ride and that his disability played no role in his death.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who had a spinal disability and used a wheelchair, became unresponsive while on the coaster last week at the recently opened Epic Universe theme park in Florida. He was transported to a local hospital and later died.
Attorneys for Zavala’s family said Monday they believe he hit his head on a restraint during the coaster’s downward thrusts and that he was unconscious for most of the ride. He had no medical issues before boarding the ride, they said.
Natalie Jackson, another of the family’s attorneys, said they believe Zavala suffered repeated head strikes based on what witnesses have said. “His disability did not kill him,” Jackson said. “It was the blunt force trauma.”
The medical examiner for the Orlando area ruled the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries and said the manner of death was an accident.
At a news conference in Orlando, the lawyers also took issue with a top Universal executive last weekend saying in a note to employees that “internal findings” showed the ride worked as it should have.
“They are quick to say that, ‘Well, the ride functioned as it was supposed to. Everything works properly.’ Well, just because it didn’t malfunction does not lead us to believe that there were not safety issues because we know something caused him to die,” said famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump, whose law firm is representing the family.
Karen Irwin, Universal Orlando Resort’s president, said in her note that the internal findings showed ride systems functioned normally, equipment was intact and Universal workers followed the proper procedures. Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said on September 19 that their initial findings align with that of the theme park.
The roller coaster remains closed as Universal conducts a comprehensive review of the ride with its manufacturer.
“Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do,” Irwin said.
The ride involved in Zavala’s death, called Stardust Racers, is a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph.
Epic Universe was the first major theme park to open in Florida in more than 25 years when it welcomed visitors just before Memorial Day weekend
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been dealt another blow as his deep links to Jeffrey Epstein continue to unravel.
According to a new report published by The Sun on December 27, the former prince is referenced in claims involving alleged hidden recordings at one of Epstein’s properties.
The report states that the FBI received the tip in 2020 from an IP address traced to Norway. The message alleged that tapes were hidden inside a secret compartment at Epstein’s Bahamas home, though it remains unclear whether the recordings exist or what they might contain. There is also no confirmation that the FBI acted on the information.
The note, reportedly labelled “Federal Bureau of Investigation Official Record,” includes the claim: “Pedophilia organized by JE for Prince Andrew.
“For evidence: look for keys stored in the drawing room. There are tapes in a secret compartment of a drawer next to a Michelangelo picture of a flower vase at his house in the Bahamas.”
The Sun further reported that the informant alleged the crimes had been ongoing for 15 years. However, no evidence has emerged to substantiate the claims, and authorities have not confirmed their authenticity.
Andrew, 65, has consistently denied all wrongdoing linked to Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. He has largely remained out of the public eye in recent months as more Epstein Files continue to be released, including previously disclosed emails reportedly exchanged with Epstein and Maxwell.
The former prince was stripped of his royal titles earlier this year by his brother King Charles III amid ongoing fallout from the scandal.
Larry David was seen in public again this week as he spent time with old friends Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis Dreyfus during a small Christmas gathering.
Jerry Seinfeld shared photos on Instagram showing the famous trio smiling together.
It was Larry David’s first public appearance since the tragic deaths of their close friends Rob Reiner and his wife Michele earlier this month.
“The creatures were stirring… Christmas Eve 2025,” Seinfeld wrote alongside the pictures.
The reunion happened during a very emotional period for the group, when Rob Reiner and Michele were killed at their home in Los Angeles, a loss that deeply affected many in Hollywood.
Reports said that Larry David and Billy Crystal visited the Reiner home after the tragedy.
Jerry later spoke about how important Rob was to the success of Seinfeld.
He said, “Our show would have never happened without him,” and explained that Reiner believed in the series when others did not.
He also called the loss of Rob and Michele “impossibly sad.”
A group of close friends, including Larry David and Billy Crystal, released a statement praising Reiner’s talent, kindness and love for storytelling.
They said he made actors feel valued and helped writers become better.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis enjoyed a lovely pre-Christmas day out in Norfolk with their mum, Princess Kate, it has been revealed.
On Tuesday, December 23, the Princess of Wales took Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, to watch the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford. However, the eldest Wales child and future heir to the throne, 12-year-old Prince George, was apparently not in attendance, nor was his father, Prince William.
The trio’s attendance was confirmed in an Instagram post made last week by Lloyd Hollett, who appears in this year’s production.
Alongside a photo of the blue-lit stage, he wrote, “What a day… Today we were honoured by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who attended our matinee performance.”
No official photos were released of the royals inside the venue as it was a private family outing instead of a public engagement. The future queen and her children reportedly watched the show from a royal box.
The Christmas Spectacular is a three-hour festive show featuring a mix of singing, dancing, and more. With a high production value and a cast of 130 performers, the show is one of the largest and most beloved Christmas events in Europe.
The event runs annually from November 8 to December 23, which means that Kate, Charlotte, and Louis managed to catch the final show.
Saints star rips ball away from Titans rookie QB, scores touchdown
Tkachuk back at Panthers practice after surgery
Andrew faces fresh scrutiny after FBI note mentions hidden Epstein tapes
Alabama turned Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff dream into a nightmare
Rare look inside the secret LEGO Museum reveals the system behind a toy giant’s remarkable longevity
Gold prices in Pakistan Today – December 20, 2025 | The Express Tribune
-
Sports1 week ago
Alabama turned Oklahoma’s College Football Playoff dream into a nightmare
-
Entertainment1 week agoRare look inside the secret LEGO Museum reveals the system behind a toy giant’s remarkable longevity
-
Business1 week ago
Gold prices in Pakistan Today – December 20, 2025 | The Express Tribune
-
Entertainment1 week agoZoe Kravitz teases fans with ring in wedding finger
-
Entertainment1 week agoIndia drops Shubman Gill from T20 World Cup squad
-
Tech1 week agoWe Tried and Tested the Best Gifts for Plant Lovers With Our Own Green Thumbs
-
Fashion1 week agoColumbia launches star-studded US Curling team uniforms for 2026
-
Politics1 week agoUS intercepts oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, Reports