Florida Launches Investigation After Guest’s Death on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers

A state inquiry was opened Friday into the September 17 death of a 32-year-old man who became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is examining whether any safety protocols were breached, and the attraction remains closed pending results of the probe.

Observers say the tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks on high-thrill rides, especially in newly opened parks like Epic Universe, which debuted in May 2025. Universal Orlando has pledged full cooperation with investigators and expressed condolences to the guest’s loved ones.

Details of the Incident

  • The victim, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala of Kissimmee, was found unresponsive after disembarking Stardust Racers, a dual-launch steel roller coaster in Epic Universe’s Celestial Park.
  • He was transported to a local hospital, where an autopsy ruled his death accidental, citing “multiple blunt impact injuries”.
  • The Orange County Medical Examiner and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are jointly investigating the circumstances leading to the fatality.

Stardust Racers: A Flagship Attraction

  • Manufactured by Mack Rides, Stardust Racers features two side-by-side 5,000-foot tracks, each reaching 133 feet in height and speeds up to 62 mph.
  • The ride’s signature “Celestial Spin” inverts riders around interlocking tracks, with onboard audio and lighting effects creating a “comet race” atmosphere.
  • The coaster opened alongside Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, and quickly became a guest favorite.

Universal Orlando’s Response

  • Universal Orlando released a statement expressing devastation over the event and reaffirming its commitment to safety and transparency.
  • The resort confirmed it has complied with all required notifications and is assisting FDACS in its investigation.
  • No reopening date for Stardust Racers has been announced; additional safety testing continues off-site.

Industry Reactions Amusement-ride experts note that mechanical failures represent a small fraction of incidents and emphasize comprehensive investigations before reopening. A spokesperson from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) commented that any ride cleared to resume operations will have undergone multiple layers of scrutiny to ensure guest safety.