Tragic Death Rattles Universal’s Epic Universe: Stardust Racers Under Investigation

A man died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. The cause has been ruled an accident involving blunt force injuries. This article covers what’s known, safety concerns, and the reactions surrounding the tragedy.

Stardust Racers Tragedy at Epic Universe

A tragic event unfolded at Universal Orlando’s new park, Epic Universe, when a man in his 30s died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. After finishing the ride, the guest was found unresponsive in the ride vehicle. He was transported to a hospital but later pronounced dead. Universal and local authorities are cooperating fully with investigations. The coaster remains closed as the park await further clarifications on what exactly caused this fatality.

Victim Identified and Autopsy Findings

The man was identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Autopsy results released by the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office point to multiple blunt impact injuries as the cause of death. His manner of death has been officially ruled an accident. Authorities emphasize that he did not fall from the coaster. No further specifics about the injuries have been disclosed, such as which part of the body was most impacted or whether any underlying medical conditions contributed to the outcome.

Ride Details: Stardust Racers at Epic Universe

Stardust Racers is one of the premier attractions in Universal’s Epic Universe, which opened to the public in May 2025. The coaster is a dual-launch racing coaster, designed to send two trains side by side on parallel tracks, interacting with each other through inversions, launches, and a feature called the "Celestial Spin." The coaster reaches speed up to 62 miles per hour, climbs to 133 feet, and stretches over approximately 5,000 feet of track. Universal’s description of the ride emphasizes thrill, engineering precision, dramatic motion, and visual spectacle.

Immediate Response and Ride Closure

Following the incident, the Stardust Racers attraction was immediately closed. Universal issued a statement expressing devastation and extending condolences to the loved ones of the victim. Orange County Sheriff’s Office also responded, and off-duty deputies were called to the scene. The park said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. At this time, there is no announced date for Stardust Racers to reopen. Guests and enthusiasts are waiting for further findings to understand what safety protocols may be reviewed or changed.

Eyewitness Accounts and Ride Experience

Eyewitnesses described the moment the ride completed its cycle on the night of the incident, and one guest reported hearing someone call out while the coaster returned to the station. When the ride stopped, operators and security responded. One witness said the rider appeared to be slumped over, possibly bleeding, with his leg apparently in distress. The accounts are still under confirmation. Rumors have circulated among park-goers about whether the guest’s safety harness or restraints functioned properly, but there is no official statement yet validating those claims.

Safety Warnings and Guest Restrictions

Universal has posted extensive safety guidelines for Stardust Racers. Riders must meet certain height requirements, and individuals with preexisting medical conditions, such as heart issues, back or neck problems, sensitivity to motion or certain sensory effects, expectant mothers, or those recently recovering from surgery are advised against riding. The ride includes dramatic acceleration, inversion, and drops, all elements that increase physical stress. Universal requires guests to store loose items, go through metal detection, and follow ride instructions to reduce risk. Still, this tragic incident raises questions about whether guidelines are adequate or whether additional measures are needed.

Medical Perspective and Questions Raised

The fact that the autopsy categorized the cause of death as "multiple blunt impact injuries" has brought medical scrutiny to the forefront. Experts and consultants are questioning whether the injuries were due to excessive force from the ride’s motion, a collision within the ride structure, or possibly a fall or impact prior to or after the ride’s accelerations. There are also questions about whether the guest had underlying health conditions that might have amplified the impact. It is too early to determine if the ride’s design, maintenance, ride cycle, or guest behavior contributed to the accident.

Implications for Theme Park Safety and Industry Standards

This fatality at Epic Universe will almost certainly reignite debates about safety in amusement parks, especially regarding high-thrill coasters. Regulatory oversight, ride inspections, ride design tolerances, staff training, emergency response protocols, and the clarity of warning signage are all likely to come under scrutiny. Other theme parks may preemptively review their operations. The industry has long balanced thrill with safety; incidents like this are a sharp reminder that guest welfare must remain a priority even as parks push for innovation and spectacle.

Park Reputation, Guest Concerns, and Legal Fallout

As news spreads, Universal’s reputation is under pressure. Guests who had planned visits to Epic Universe are expressing concern and uncertainty about whether attractions like Stardust Racers are safe. In parallel, there are likely to be legal investigations and possibly lawsuits from the family of the deceased. Universal may face liability depending on what is discovered: whether ride equipment, maintenance, or operations contributed to the accident. Public relations efforts will be crucial. Universal’s prompt cooperation with officials and transparent updates will likely affect how the public views this tragedy.

Ongoing Investigation and What’s Next

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner are continuing the inquiry. Universal has pledged to aid this investigation. Key pieces of information expected include exact nature of injuries, ride-vehicle inspection, review of ride logs, witness statements, video or sensor data, maintenance records, and whether other injuries or incidents have occurred previously. The fact that the ride has had earlier guest incidents—such as dizziness or visual disturbances connected to preexisting conditions—may factor into the investigation. Ultimately, findings will help determine whether Stardust Racers can safely reopen, whether modifications are needed, or whether more stringent regulations must be imposed.

Conclusion: A Loss, A Lesson, A Look to the Future

The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe is a devastating loss for his family and for the community. It also serves as a sobering moment in the theme park world, reminding everyone that even the newest, most thrilling rides carry serious risk. Universal Universe’s commitment to cooperation and the classification of the death as accidental are initial steps, but the public will expect full transparency, rigorous safety review, and renewed trust in park operations. As details emerge, both park patrons and industry stakeholders will be watching closely. While Epic Universe has only recently opened and Stardust Racers quickly became a marquee attraction, this tragedy underscores the need for ongoing vigilance whenever guests seek thrill and excitement. The hope is that from this tragedy, the industry can learn, improve, and reaffirm that safety and guest welfare remain paramount in every ride experience.