Lawsuit blames death on Universal Orlando’s English-only warning signs
A lawsuit claims the lack of foreign language signage at Universal Orlando contributed in the death of a theme park guest.
Jose Calderon Arana, aged just 38, suffered a fatal heart attack after riding the ‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ ride.
A lawsuit filed by the family says he didn’t speak English and there were no warning signs displayed in Spanish.
The ride warns guests in English that those with heart conditions should not ride. Calderon Arana had a history of heart problems.
"Universal was aware of the great number of tourists on their premises who do not speak English," the lawsuit said.
Calderon Arana complained of feeling unwell after the ride and then collapsed and died later.
"This isn’t a crazy request or expectation. It’s actually quite basic in this day and age," attorney Pendas said.
"You are asking for international travelers. This is a mecca for tourism. This is a very basic thing that should be thought of for the safety of patrons."
Pendas said it’s the theme park should have ride warning signs in at least English, Spanish and French.
More than six million overseas visitors came to Orlando in 2017 and nearly 900,000 came the Spanish-speaking countries of Mexico, Argentina and Colombia.
According to census figures more than 25% of Florida residents speak a foreign language at home.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025