ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — State investigators looking into the death of a 32-year-old man after he rode on a Universal Orlando Resort roller coaster said Monday that their initial findings align with that of the theme park's leaders who say the ride was working correctly.
Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services monitored tests of the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe last week and reviewed the results before reaching that preliminary conclusion, but the investigation is continuing, department spokesperson Aaron Keller said in an email.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was pronounced dead Wednesday at a hospital after riding the dual-launch coaster, which reaches speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph). Zavala's longtime girlfriend, who was with him, told deputies that he had a preexisting spinal condition, used a wheelchair and was taking medication, according to a report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
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.
Karen Irwin, Universal Orlando Resort's president, said in an email to workers that internal findings showed that ride systems functioned as they should have, equipment was intact during the ride and that Universal workers followed the proper procedures.
The roller coaster remains closed to the public as Universal conducted a comprehensive review of the ride with its manufacturer, Irwin said.
Meanwhile, famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump said Monday that Zavala's family had retained his law firm. The family is seeking maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data and video footage to help understand how he died, Crump said in a statement.
“A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe,” Crump said. "We will hold all responsible parties to account and fight to ensure Kevin’s family receives the answers and justice they deserve.”
FILE - Guests ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe Theme Park at Universal Resort Orlando, April 10, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, file)
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 23, 2025--
Comera Financial Holdings, part of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group, and SC Ventures signed an MoU announcing a strategic collaboration to jointly explore new opportunities designed to strengthen the SME segment. The initiative reflects a shared vision to advance technology-driven financial solutions that align with the UAE’s economic priorities and support sustainable development across key sectors.
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Through this collaboration, Comera Financial Holdings and SCV have outlined several areas where their combined expertise can create significant value for businesses. A major focus will be on financial solutions tailored for corporates with extensive SME networks. These may include innovations in Supply Chain Finance, working capital optimisation, and sector-specific financing frameworks. By combining Comera’s expanding fintech platforms with SC Ventures’ expertise in venture-building and credit intelligence, both organisations aim to deliver solutions that strengthen business resilience and accelerate market competitiveness.
The organisations will also explore broader strategic partnership opportunities, including potential investment, co-creation of new financial models, and deeper coordination across select business initiatives. This approach is intended to drive innovation, encourage aligned growth, and support the delivery of comprehensive financial solutions at scale.
Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, Managing Director & Group CEO of Comera Financial Holdings, stated: “This collaboration marks an important step in our mission to build forward-looking financial infrastructure for the UAE. By working with SC Ventures, we aim to introduce innovative, digitally powered financing models that support the growth ambitions of SMEs and large corporates alike.”
Alex Manson, CEO of Standard Chartered Ventures, commented: “At SC Ventures we build businesses that solve real problems. Partnering with Comera allows us to co-create digital infrastructure that gives SMEs the tools, insights and access they need to thrive in an innovation-led economy.”
Comera Financial Holdings and SC Ventures will continue evaluating the identified opportunities with the goal of establishing a long-term collaboration. Further updates will be shared as progress develops.
About SC Ventures
SC Ventures builds and invests in breakthrough ventures in and beyond banking. SC Ventures by Standard Chartered provides a platform for organisations to collaborate and co-create fintech ecosystems to reimagine the future of finance.
For more information, please visit www.scventures.io and follow SC Ventures on LinkedIn.
About Comera Financial Holdings
Comera Financial Holdings, part of Abu Dhabi’s Royal Group, is a diversified fintech and financial services group offering integrated solutions across payments, lending, supply chain finance, and digital financial infrastructure, enabling seamless, compliant, and scalable financial experiences for consumers, SMEs, and corporates across the UAE and beyond.
*Source: AETOSWire
Akhtar Saeed Hashmi, Managing Director & Group CEO of Comera Financial Holdings, and Alex Manson, CEO of Standard Chartered Ventures, sign an MoU announcing a strategic collaboration. (Photo: AETOSWire)
