A man dies roller coaster Epic Universe tragedy has sent shockwaves through Florida and the global theme park community. On September 17, 2025, a 32-year-old guest, identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, lost his life after becoming unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.
The shocking death occurred just months after the park’s grand opening, raising immediate questions about ride safety and oversight at one of the world’s most advanced amusement attractions.
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What Happened on Stardust Racers
Witnesses reported that Zavala appeared unresponsive as the ride concluded its course. Park staff acted quickly, providing emergency medical care before he was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite these efforts, Zavala was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy conducted shortly afterward confirmed the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries. The Medical Examiner’s Office officially ruled the manner of death as an accident, though investigators continue to review the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
About Stardust Racers
The Stardust Racers is the flagship coaster of Epic Universe, located in the Celestial Park area. Marketed as one of Universal’s most thrilling rides, the attraction includes:
- Dual racing tracks named Pulsar and Photon
- Speeds reaching 62 mph
- Maximum height of 133 feet
- Nearly 5,000 feet of track
- Launch elements and sharp inversions
Since its debut in May 2025, Stardust Racers has been celebrated as one of the longest and fastest racing coasters ever built. The ride is designed with state-of-the-art safety features and has quickly become a major draw for Epic Universe guests.
Reaction from Universal Orlando
In the aftermath of Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and sympathy to his family. The company confirmed that the Stardust Racers ride remains closed while investigations continue.
Park officials emphasized their cooperation with local authorities, including the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office, to ensure a full review of safety protocols and mechanical systems.
Safety Concerns and Key Questions
The death has raised several urgent questions:
- Ride Safety Systems: Did all restraint systems and mechanical checks function properly during the ride?
- Medical Pre-conditions: Could a health factor have contributed, despite Universal’s warnings against high-risk riders?
- Design Factors: Were blunt impact injuries linked to restraint design, high-speed turns, or unexpected rider movement?
- Park Oversight: Given Epic Universe’s recent opening, are inspection procedures thorough enough for new attractions?
These concerns are central to the ongoing investigation, which could have long-term implications for Universal and the broader amusement park industry.
The Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Zavala, only 32 years old, had been visiting Epic Universe with friends on the evening of the incident. Described as energetic and adventurous, his sudden death left fellow guests in shock.
For many visitors, what began as a day of excitement at Universal’s newest theme park ended in tragedy, highlighting the delicate balance between thrill and safety on extreme attractions.
Epic Universe: A New Era of Theme Parks
Epic Universe officially opened in May 2025 as Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park. Spanning more than 100 acres, it features multiple themed “worlds,” cutting-edge attractions, immersive environments, and advanced technology aimed at redefining the modern theme park experience.
The opening of Epic Universe had been hailed as a milestone for Universal, bringing intense competition to Disney in Orlando. The Stardust Racers coaster was marketed as a centerpiece attraction — a bold statement about Universal’s ambition in the theme park industry.
This tragic incident now casts a shadow over those celebrations.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of September 19, 2025:
- Stardust Racers is closed indefinitely pending investigation.
- The Orange County Sheriff’s Office continues to review ride logs, witness accounts, and maintenance records.
- The Medical Examiner’s Office has concluded that blunt force trauma was the cause of death, but how the injuries occurred inside the coaster remains under examination.
- Universal Orlando has pledged full cooperation and ongoing communication with investigators.
No official timeline has been announced for when or if the ride will reopen.
Broader Implications for Ride Safety
This incident underscores the broader conversation about theme park ride safety:
- High-Speed Attractions: As coasters reach ever-higher speeds and forces, the margin for error narrows.
- Guest Health Screenings: Parks may need stricter enforcement of rider eligibility rules, especially for those with heart conditions or other vulnerabilities.
- Transparency: Guests and safety advocates call for clearer data on ride-related injuries and fatalities.
- Engineering Review: Manufacturers and regulators will likely reassess ride restraint designs and operational protocols.
Industry experts note that while serious accidents are rare, each tragedy sparks renewed scrutiny of ride safety standards worldwide.
The Emotional Impact on Visitors
For many guests who witnessed the event or were at the park that day, the tragedy left a deep emotional impact. Amusement parks are designed to be places of joy and escape, but an incident like this serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in extreme attractions.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolences, shock, and concern, with many urging Universal to take extra measures before reopening Stardust Racers.
Looking Ahead
Universal faces the difficult challenge of balancing transparency with reassurance. Guest confidence is vital for Epic Universe, especially so soon after its highly publicized opening. The company must ensure that any future operations of Stardust Racers meet the highest possible safety standards.
Meanwhile, safety inspectors, engineers, and independent experts will continue to assess the ride and determine whether modifications or operational changes are necessary.
Conclusion
The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe is a heartbreaking tragedy that has shaken Universal Orlando, its guests, and the wider theme park community. As investigations unfold, the focus will remain on accountability, safety improvements, and ensuring that such an incident never occurs again.
If you’ve visited Epic Universe or experienced Stardust Racers, share your thoughts below — your voice matters in the conversation about theme park safety.