A tragic incident occurred at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park, where a guest, identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died after becoming unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster on September 17, 2025. This event has raised concerns about theme park safety and prompted an ongoing investigation by authorities. Here’s a detailed look at what happened, the response from Universal, and the broader implications for theme park safety.
1. The Incident at Stardust Racers
The incident took place at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, which opened on May 22, 2025. Key details include:
- What Happened: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old from Kissimmee, Florida, was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster known as Universal’s most thrilling ride. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
- Cause of Death: An autopsy conducted by Orange and Osceola Counties Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany determined that Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.” The death was ruled an accident.
- Witness Account: Maria Fernandez, a fellow rider on the coaster, described Zavala as appearing “slumped over, bleeding, with his leg seemingly broken” when the ride stopped. She told News 6, “I don’t know if he was dead in that moment, but I think yes.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that off-duty deputies responded to a “man down” call at the park, and a forensic team was seen taking photos of the ride vehicle in the loading area.
2. About Stardust Racers and Epic Universe
Stardust Racers is a flagship attraction at Epic Universe, located in the Celestial Park section of the park. Here are key features of the ride and park:
- Ride Details: Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster with two tracks (green and yellow) that reach speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. It features unique maneuvers, including an inverted crisscross called the “Celestial Spin.”
- Popularity: Since Epic Universe opened in May 2025, Stardust Racers has been one of the park’s most popular attractions, drawing thrill-seekers for its high-speed, competitive racing experience.
- Epic Universe Overview: Epic Universe is Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park and the first major traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999. It features five themed sections and a 500-room hotel, positioning it as a competitor to Walt Disney World.
The ride was closed on September 18 and remained closed the following day, as indicated by the Universal Orlando app.
3. Universal’s Response and Investigation
Universal Orlando Resort issued a statement expressing grief over the incident and outlining its response:
- Official Statement: “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
- Cooperation with Authorities: Universal is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is investigating the incident. The department noted that Universal has been “extremely cooperative” and complied with all required notifications.
- Ride Closure: Stardust Racers was shut down immediately after the incident and remains closed as the investigation continues.
The exact circumstances of Zavala’s injuries, including how they occurred during the ride, are still under investigation, with no further details released about the specific nature or location of the blunt impact injuries.
4. Safety Concerns and Past Incidents
This incident has reignited discussions about theme park ride safety, particularly at high-thrill attractions like Stardust Racers. Key points include:
- Previous Incidents at Epic Universe: Since the park opened in May 2025, three other incidents have been reported, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
- In June, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and an “altered state of consciousness” after riding Stardust Racers.
- Also in June, a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition reported a “visual disturbance” and numbness after riding Stardust Racers.
- In May, a 32-year-old man experienced chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, another attraction at Epic Universe.
- Ride Safety Protocols: Universal’s Guide for Safety and Accessibility includes warnings at ride entrances for guests with conditions like heart issues or abnormal blood pressure. Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride Stardust Racers and are required to secure loose items in lockers.
- Expert Reaction: Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, called the autopsy’s conclusion of blunt impact injuries “pretty shocking,” noting that it raises more questions than answers about how the injuries occurred.
These incidents highlight the physical demands of high-thrill rides and the importance of clear safety guidelines.
5. Public and Industry Reaction
The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has sparked varied responses from park visitors, industry experts, and the public:
- Guest Concerns: Visitors like Claire Ross, who was at Epic Universe with her family, expressed hesitation about riding Stardust Racers. Ross told WESH, “That coaster was going to go on that ride. Now potentially questionable, but obviously I’d like to understand what actually happened.”
- Industry Scrutiny: The incident has drawn attention to ride safety, with some questioning whether underlying health conditions or ride mechanics played a role. Authorities have not confirmed whether Zavala had any preexisting conditions.
- Broader Context: This is the first reported death at Epic Universe, but other theme parks have faced similar scrutiny. For example, Universal was sued in 2025 over alleged brain and spinal injuries on the now-closed Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Studios Orlando, and Six Flags Magic Mountain faced a lawsuit after a guest’s death in 2022.
The incident has prompted calls for transparency as the investigation continues.
6. Implications for Theme Park Safety
The tragedy at Epic Universe raises important questions about roller coaster safety and the responsibilities of theme park operators:
- Ongoing Investigation: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is leading the investigation, with an investigator on-site. More details are expected as the inquiry progresses.
- Regulatory Oversight: Theme parks in Florida are subject to state inspections, and Universal’s cooperation suggests adherence to safety protocols. However, the incident may lead to stricter regulations or enhanced safety checks.
- Guest Awareness: The event underscores the need for guests to heed ride warnings, especially those with health conditions, and for parks to ensure clear communication about risks.
Looking Ahead
The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with high-thrill amusement park rides, even at state-of-the-art facilities like Epic Universe. As the investigation continues, Universal and authorities will work to determine the cause of the incident and whether additional safety measures are needed. For now, Stardust Racers remains closed, and the theme park industry faces renewed scrutiny over how to balance thrills with safety. Universal’s response and the outcome of the investigation will likely shape public perception and future operations at Epic Universe.
