Epic Universe Tragedy: Family Demands Answers After Rollercoaster Death Confirmed

A shadow of profound sorrow has fallen over the construction of Universal Orlando's highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, as state inspectors have tragically confirmed findings related to a fatal accident that claimed the life of a dedicated worker. The devastating incident, which saw 46-year-old Eleazar Perez plummet to his death from a towering roller coaster track, has now been officially linked to serious safety violations, prompting his grieving family to come forward and demand justice.

Perez, an employee of LPR Construction, a subcontractor working on the "Starfall Racers" attraction, tragically fell more than 50 feet in February while engaged in his duties.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking loss. Their findings, recently made public, paint a stark picture: OSHA has cited LPR Construction for two "serious" safety violations, proposing penalties totaling $29,000.

Crucially, the investigation revealed that Perez was not wearing adequate fall protection at the time of the incident, a critical lapse that could have prevented the tragedy.

For Eleazar Perez's family, the official confirmation of these violations only intensifies their grief and resolve. They have since filed a wrongful death lawsuit, not only against LPR Construction but also against Universal Orlando, alleging profound negligence.

The lawsuit contends that both companies failed in their fundamental duty to provide a safe working environment and ensure proper safety equipment was utilized by their workers. "We want answers, we want accountability," a family representative stated, echoing their profound pain and desire to prevent similar future tragedies.

The death of Eleazar Perez serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers in large-scale construction projects and the paramount importance of stringent safety protocols.

While Universal Orlando has expressed condolences and stated that they require their partners to "maintain the highest safety standards," the allegations in the family's lawsuit and OSHA's findings put a critical spotlight on the enforcement of these standards. The family's legal battle seeks not only compensation for their irreparable loss but also to instigate a systemic change that prioritizes the lives of those who build our dreams.

As the construction of Epic Universe continues, this tragedy casts a long shadow, highlighting the human cost behind monumental endeavors.

The ongoing legal proceedings and the family's steadfast pursuit of justice will undoubtedly keep the focus on worker safety, a critical conversation that demands unwavering attention from all stakeholders involved in such ambitious projects.