Guest Dies After Riding Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, Cause of Death Ruled Accidental

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A guest at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The man was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that the man who died was 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. An autopsy performed by Orlando’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Joshua Stephany, determined he died from multiple blunt force injuries in an accident.

Stephany’s statement didn’t say where on the body the injuries were, or how they happened.

Expert Raises Questions About Autopsy

The results quickly sparked reactions from industry professionals. Dennis Speigel, head of International Theme Park Services, described the autopsy findings as “very surprising.” He added that the limited information available raised many concerns and left things unclear.

He wondered if the impact was to the head or chest, if the person was moving around during the ride, if they were seated correctly, and whether the incident was due to a malfunction with the ride itself or something the rider did.

Speigel’s comments emphasize how unclear the situation remains and how important the Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation is.

Universal’s Updated Statement

Universal Orlando Resort has responded to the recent tragic event with several statements. Their latest announcement says:

Universal is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office after a guest sadly passed away Wednesday night at the Epic Universe construction site. The guest became ill after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster and was taken to the hospital, but could not be saved. Universal is deeply saddened by this tragedy and offers condolences to the guest’s family. They are fully cooperating with the investigation, and the Stardust Racers attraction is currently closed.

After the autopsy report was made public, Universal stated they were unable to provide additional comments because the investigation is still ongoing.

About Stardust Racers

Stardust Racers is a thrilling coaster advertised for its incredible speed, reaching up to 62 mph. The 5,000-foot track features two separate trains – one green and one yellow – that race side-by-side and perform an upside-down twist called the “Celestial Spin.”

The ride was thoroughly tested before it opened, running perfectly for 80 hours straight. Universal warns riders to expect quick speeds, loops, and steep drops, and advises anyone with heart problems, high blood pressure, or who recently had surgery to avoid the ride.

Safety Oversight in Florida

Florida’s biggest theme parks, like Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, don’t have their rides inspected by the state. They inspect the rides themselves and only have to report serious injuries – those requiring at least a 24-hour hospital stay – to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

State records show that Epic Universe has already had three incident reports filed since it opened in May.

  • In May, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and an “altered state of consciousness” after riding Stardust Racers.
  • On a separate day, a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition reported a “visual disturbance” and numbness after the same ride.
  • A 32-year-old man experienced chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.

During the same time, other Orlando theme parks also reported incidents. At Disney’s Dinosaur ride, an 87-year-old woman passed out, and at SeaWorld, a 78-year-old woman became unresponsive while riding a carousel.

A Sobering Moment for Epic Universe

Epic Universe opened in May and is the first new traditional theme park in Florida since Universal’s Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999. It brings the total number of theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort to four.

Although deaths at theme parks are very uncommon considering the huge number of guests they host each year, the serious injuries reported in the autopsy of the guest who died at Epic Universe require a thorough investigation. This tragic event is especially upsetting as the park is brand new and was intended to be a place of celebration.

The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is a heartbreaking loss for his family and friends. While authorities investigate, many are understandably asking how he sustained serious injuries on a recently opened amusement park ride that had passed all safety inspections.

That Park Place Reporter Ron E. Bradley Contributed to this report.

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2025-09-19 00:57