Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Coaster Will Reopen Saturday, 17 Days After Rider Died

Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Coaster will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 4, days after a rider died on the rollercoaster, Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin said.

The announcement, written in a letter to employees obtained by PEOPLE, comes 16 days after Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died while riding the coaster on Sept. 17.

“As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss,” Irwin wrote in the letter. “I am very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took place.”

Zavala, a resident of Kissimmee, Fla., was helped into the Epic Universe roller coaster by Universal employees.

The Orange County medical examiner Joshua Stephany ruled his death as accidental and the result of “multiple blunt impact injuries,” Orlando Sentinel, News 6,  WFTV and WESH reported.

She continued to explain that after conducting a “comprehensive technical and operational review,” the park found that the ride “functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station.”

Universal’s Safety and Accessibility Guidelines were updated after Zavata’s death to no longer include Stardust Racers as a ride for which team members will accommodate riders who use wheelchairs, according to the Sentinel.

Irwin’s letter confirmed that an “extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials and the State of Florida.” The ride system manufacturer and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing of the vehicle.

“I am confident we will continue to deliver extraordinary guest experiences that make our Destination so special. Thank you for everything you do every day,” Irwin concluded her letter.

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Zavala had spinal cord atrophy since birth, per the Sentinel. Zavala lost consciousness at some point while riding the Stardust Racers, which reaches speeds of 62 mph and rises up to 133 feet. His girlfriend accompanied him on the ride.

The man was later found slumped over in his seat, and witnesses said that his head kept banging on the headrest. Employees and paramedics performed CPR on Zavala, but he was ultimately rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The Dragon Racers Rally coaster and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment dark ride are now also listed in the latest version of the safety guidelines, which now require people who use mobility aids to be able to walk independently.

Epic Universe opened in May.