Man Dies After Riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe

A 32-year-old man was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe on Wednesday night and later died at a local hospital due to multiple blunt impact injuries.

Universal Orlando opened Epic Universe this May, and four months later the fatal incident on one of its flagship attractions has raised urgent safety concerns over ride operations and reporting protocols.

Investigation Underway

Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a “medical emergency” at around 9:20 p.m. on September 18. The rider, identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala of Kissimmee, was strapped into his seat when off-duty law enforcement officers administered CPR on the platform. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, and the death has been ruled accidental by the Orange County medical examiner.

Universal Orlando Resorts has expressed “deepest condolences to the family” and confirmed full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The Stardust Racers attraction remains closed pending a review of ride data, witness statements and video footage.

Ride Profile and Safety Record

  • Name: Stardust Racers
  • Type: Dual-launch roller coaster
  • Speed: Up to 62 mph
  • Height: 133 ft
  • Track length: 5,000 ft
  • Opened: May 2025 at Epic Universe

Since its launch, three health-related incidents have been self-reported for Epic Universe coasters, including two earlier cases on Stardust Racers involving guests with preexisting conditions who experienced dizziness and visual disturbances.

Regulatory Context

Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, are exempt from routine state inspections and self-regulate safety protocols. They are only required to report serious injuries or deaths after the fact, a policy critics say may limit transparency and delay corrective measures.

Universal franchise representatives have declined further comment pending the conclusion of law enforcement and medical examiner inquiries.