A man in his 30s has died from multiple blunt impact injuries following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deceased as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Zavala was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers attraction on Wednesday, September 17, and was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner, Joshua Stephany, conducted an autopsy and ruled the death an accident. Specific details regarding the nature or location of Zavala’s injuries have not been released.
Epic Universe and Stardust Racers Background
Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, officially opened its gates to the public on May 22, 2025. The park features five immersive themed worlds, including Celestial Park, Dark Universe, and Super Nintendo World. Stardust Racers is described as the park’s centerpiece roller coaster, a dual-launch attraction that reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. It was one of the most anticipated rides at the newly opened park.
Investigation and Park Response
Universal Orlando Resort has stated it is “devastated by this tragic event” and has extended its sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. A spokesperson confirmed the resort is “fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation”. The Stardust Racers attraction was immediately closed following the incident and remains shut down as the investigation continues.
Preceding Incidents and Theme Park Safety
This incident is the first death reported at Epic Universe since its opening in May. However, the Stardust Racers ride has been associated with prior guest incidents. In May, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and an altered state of consciousness, while a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition reported visual disturbances and numbness after riding the coaster on separate occasions. Additionally, a 32-year-old man reported chest pains after riding the Hiccup’s Wing Gliders attraction in May.
In Florida, large theme parks like Universal Orlando are exempt from state safety inspections and are instead responsible for their own safety protocols and incident reporting. They are required by law to report any guest injury or death to the state. In the second quarter of the current year, a dozen incidents were reported across Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld Orlando, ranging from guests experiencing unresponsiveness on rides to losing consciousness, often involving individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Industry experts, such as Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, have expressed surprise at the medical examiner’s ruling, noting it raises further questions about the circumstances of the accident. The investigation is ongoing, and there is currently no timeline for the reopening of the Stardust Racers roller coaster. This developing story is part of trending news concerning american theme park attractions and their safety stories.
