A week after a mandied after riding Stardust Racersat Universal Epic Universe, a woman issuing for injuriesshe says she sustained while riding the roller coaster. Sandi Streets filed a negligence lawsuit against Universal City Development Partners Ltd. on Sept. 24 in Orlando, seeking damages exceeding $50,000. The USA TODAY Network reached out to Universal for a comment on the lawsuit. There is currently a state investigation into Stardust Racers afterKevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, diedafter being found unresponsive on the roller coaster. An autopsy found Rodriguez died of "multiple blunt impact injuries," and the manner of death was an accident,according to the chief medical examinerfor Orange and Osceola counties. Initial investigations by both Universal and state regulators indicate the ride functioned correctly. Orlando-based WKMGreported on Sept. 23 that "there have been two other health incidents connected with the ride since it first opened: a 63-year-old man who experienced dizziness, and a 47-year-old woman who had a 'visual disturbance.'" Citing state records, the station noted the guests rode the coaster on separate days and both had pre-existing conditions. According to the complaint obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Sandi Streets was invited to Epic Universe on April 30, weeks before it officially opened to the public on May 22. While on Stardust Racers, the complaint says, Street's "head shook violently and slammed into the seat's headrest throughout the ride," causing permanent injuries. She says the ride failed to secure her head properly. The complaint also claims that Universal failed to operate the ride in a reasonably safe condition and did not provide sufficient warnings about the ride. "At all times material hereto, Defendant had a duty to adequately warn the public, including Plaintiff, of unsafe and unreasonably dangerous conditions of which it knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known about," the complaint states. Universal has stated that it prioritizes safety. Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster located in the Celestial Park section of Epic Universe. Stardust Racers reaches speeds of 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in the air, and runs along 5,000 feet of track. Family speaks out after coaster death:What they want before the ride reopens According toUniversal Orlando's website, guests riding Stardust Racers: Should be able to independently: (1) maintain an upright position, (2) support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements, and (3) brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity. When seated, both natural legs must, at a minimum, terminate below the ankle. No prosthetic limbs. Must be able to take a small step into the ride vehicle compartment, either independently or with assistance from a companion. There is also a height requirement, which is a minimum of 48 inches (4 feet). The family has not, as of Sept. 26, filed a lawsuit. Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Rodriguez Zavala's family, said during a press conference that his firm is conducting anindependent investigationand demanding answers. Crump said the family said it is seeking complete transparency into Rodriguez's death and what the theme park is doing to prevent this from happening again. They stressed that Rodriguez's spinal disability did not cause his death and that just because there was no malfunction on the ride, it doesn't mean there weren't any safety issues Universal needed to address. As for whether they'd pursue litigation, Crump said that it was "up to Universal." No. The ride was closed after the incident on Sept. 17 and has yet to be reopened. The family of Rodriguez Zavala is requesting that it remain closed pending a thorough investigation into what happened. "The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record," Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin said in a letter to team members. "Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do." Mack Rides, which made the dual-launch coaster, told the USA TODAY Network that it's actively supporting the investigation and is in close contact with Universal and authorities. This article originally appeared on Florida Today:Woman sues Universal over injuries on same ride after another man died
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