In a shocking turn at Universal Orlando’s shiny new theme park, a woman has slapped the resort with a lawsuit over serious injuries from a high-speed roller coaster. This comes hot on the heels of a tragic death on the exact same ride just seven days prior. The dual incidents have cast a dark cloud over Epic Universe, Universal’s latest attraction that promised thrills but delivered nightmares. As families flock to Florida for fun, questions swirl about safety on these massive machines. Is this a one-off glitch, or a sign of bigger problems in the amusement world? With speeds hitting 62 mph, the stakes are sky-high—and so are the legal battles brewing.
Epic Universe opened its gates in May 2025, drawing crowds eager for heart-pounding adventures. Among the stars is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster that catapults riders through twists and drops at breakneck speeds. But behind the glamour, two riders claim it turned deadly. First came the heartbreaking loss of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. He passed away from multiple blunt impact injuries, ruled an accident by Orlando’s medical examiner. Zavala, who lived with a spinal disability and used a wheelchair, went on the ride during a visit. His family insists the coaster—not his condition—sealed his fate. At a fiery press conference on Wednesday, their lawyers blasted early safety probes, demanding deeper digs into what went wrong.
Now, enter Sandi Streets, the latest voice crying foul. She filed her negligence suit in Orlando state court on Wednesday, painting a grim picture of her ordeal. Invited for a pre-opening preview just weeks before the park’s debut, Streets hopped on Stardust Racers full of excitement. What followed? Her head whipped around wildly, crashing into the seat’s headrest with brutal force. The lawsuit details lasting damage: permanent injuries, skyrocketing medical bills, lost work ability, and a flare-up of an old health issue. “The ride failed to properly restrain her head,” the court papers charge, adding that Universal skimped on warnings about the coaster’s “unsafe and unreasonably dangerous condition.”
Streets’ lawyer, Nicholas Spetsas, hasn’t spilled more on her exact wounds yet—emails went unanswered Thursday. But the claims hit hard, echoing Zavala’s story in eerie ways. Both riders suffered blunt trauma on a beast designed for dual tracks and synchronized launches. Universal zipped its lips on the suit Thursday, offering no comment. Silence from the Mouse’s rival? It fuels the fire for skeptics who say big parks prioritize profits over people.
Universal’s top brass, President Karen Irwin, tried to calm nerves after Zavala’s death. In a staff memo last weekend, she swore the ride’s systems ran smooth, gear stayed solid, and crew nailed protocols. Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services backed that up Friday, their first look matching the park’s take. But Zavala’s kin aren’t buying it. “His disability didn’t kill him—the ride did,” they roared at Wednesday’s media huddle. No suit from them yet, but they’re hungry for answers. How does a “safe” coaster claim a life? And why did Streets walk away scarred but alive?
- The Fatal Ride: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, with lifelong spinal issues, boards Stardust Racers. Blunt impacts end his life—autopsy calls it accidental.
- Streets’ Nightmare: Weeks pre-launch, Sandi Streets previews the coaster. Violent head shake slams her into the headrest, sparking lifelong woes.
- Lawsuit Lowdown: Filed Wednesday, blames poor restraints and zero warnings on “dangerous” design. Seeks damages for disability, costs, and lost wages.
- Park’s Defense: Internal checks and state probes say all good—systems fine, procedures followed. But families cry foul.
- Bigger Safety Shadows: Amusement parks face heat yearly. Remember Disney’s 2024 scare? Or Six Flags’ past plunges? Coasters kill thrill—one death per 750 million rides, stats say.
This double whammy isn’t just personal tragedy—it’s a wake-up for the $50 billion U.S. theme park biz. Epic Universe hyped as a game-changer, blending wizard worlds with speed demons. Stardust Racers, with its 62 mph blasts and racing tracks, was the crown jewel. Built by Intamin, Swiss coaster kings, it promised “unmatched acceleration.” Yet two crashes in a month? It screams for spotlights on harnesses, speeds, and rider checks. Experts whisper: High-G forces can jar necks, especially if seats slip. Pre-existing conditions? They amp risks, but parks must screen smart.
Zavala’s story tugs heartstrings hardest. Born with spine woes, he wheeled through life with grit. Friends recall him as a joy-spreader, loving Orlando escapes despite barriers. His death, mid-ride, shattered that. Family’s push for truth honors him—lawyers vow forensic deep-dives. Streets, meanwhile, fights from hospital beds and courtrooms. Her suit could unlock ride logs, maintenance slips, maybe even design flaws. If it sticks, payouts might top millions; past cases like 2017’s Dreamworld drown hit $15 mil.
Universal’s no stranger to suits—over 100 yearly, per reports. But linking death and injury on one ride? Rare as a blue moon. It spotlights regs: Florida mandates annual checks, but critics slam ’em as toothless. Nationally, the CPSC tracks mishaps, but coasters dodge full fed oversight. Post-Zavala, Epic Universe paused the ride briefly—standard protocol. Now, with Streets’ filing, expect inspections galore. Will it shutter? Or tweak restraints?
For thrill-seekers, it’s a gut-check. Strap in, sure—but scan signs for warnings. Families like Zavala’s plead: Prioritize health histories, beef up barriers. Universal pledges rider safety first, but actions speak louder. As Epic Universe buzzes with 20,000 daily guests, the shadow lingers. Fun’s fine, but at what cost?
Broader ripples hit Florida’s tourism goldmine. Orlando pulls 75 million visitors yearly, pumping $80 billion. A tainted coaster? It spooks lines, dents dollars. Rivals like Disney watch warily— their coasters hum safe, for now. But industry-wide, calls grow for AI-monitored rides, better vests, speed caps for vulnerable folks.
In the end, Streets’ bold move spotlights the razor edge of joyrides. Zavala’s loss reminds: Thrills can turn tragic. Universal must prove it’s listener, fixer, protector. Until then, riders beware— that whoosh might whisper danger. As probes grind on, one hope: No more headlines from heartbreak. Epic Universe aimed for stars; let’s keep it grounded in safety.
