Man dies after riding Stardust Racers at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando
Authorities launch an unusual-death investigation as Universal Orlando Resort confirms cooperative probe and Stardust Racers is closed pending inquiry
A 32-year-old man died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Studios' Epic Universe in Orlando, authorities said, prompting an unusual-death investigation to determine the cause of death. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after the high-speed dual-launch coaster ride on Wednesday evening and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officials described the death as unresolved and emphasized that Zavala did not fall from the ride, though investigators are examining all aspects of the incident. Universal officials said they are cooperating fully with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and expressed their condolences to Zavala's family as they work to determine what happened.
Stardust Racers is billed as one of Epic Universe's most thrilling attractions. The ride is a high-speed dual-launch coaster that accelerates riders to as fast as 62 mph and features sudden drops and tight turns along a compact 5,000-foot track. Its designers said the experience aims to mimic a comet passing through space, with two trains racing through an inverted cross-shaped course described by the park as the Celestial Spin. The coaster accommodates two tracks, yellow and green, and is part of a broader lineup at the new theme-park campus that began welcoming guests in May. Epic Universe is described by NBC Universal as comprising four theme parks, five lands and a 500-room hotel, making it one of the largest new entertainment destinations in the region in recent memory.
The park announced that Stardust Racers would remain closed on Thursday, though the rest of Epic Universe remained open to guests. Universal said it would continue to work with law enforcement as investigators review the circumstances surrounding Zavala’s death and the ride’s operation. A park spokesperson said, “Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff's Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest's loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Epic Universe opened in May and has been promoted as a major milestone for Florida’s theme-park landscape, introducing a cluster of attractions and a hotel that together form a multi-park complex in Orlando. The park follows a long-running line of international entertainment developments in the region and stands as the first major theme park to debut in Florida since Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened in 1999. Stardust Racers, which quickly became a marquee draw, is officially described as offering dramatic maneuvers along its 5,000 feet of track and a visual spectacle highlighted by colors and music as riders navigate the Celestial Spin.
The event raises questions about safety and medical preparedness at major theme parks, though the health status of Zavala prior to his death remains unclear. Officials have not released any information indicating a pre-existing condition or a health issue that contributed to his death, and investigators are proceeding with the unusual-death designation to determine whether external factors or an underlying condition played a role.
Guests must meet a minimum height of 48 inches to ride Stardust Racers, and riders may choose between the yellow or green track. Safety warnings at the ride’s entrance advise guests to assess their own health and comfort with high-intensity experiences, with guidelines updated as recently as April to reflect evolving safety standards. While Zavala’s cause of death remains undetermined, the incident underscores the ongoing process of safety reviews that accompany cutting-edge attractions at new parks.
In the weeks and months after Epic Universe opened, Florida theme parks have reported a range of injuries across the state, reflecting the high volume of visitors and the intensity of many attractions. In April, a 76-year-old woman fell and injured her leg while exiting Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park, according to People magazine. In May, an 87-year-old guest with pre-existing conditions lost consciousness after riding Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A month later, a 44-year-old man experienced right-arm pain while visiting the Liberty Bell attraction. These incidents highlight the broader safety considerations that accompany today’s high-thrill experiences and the need for ongoing monitoring, medical readiness, and clear guest guidance across major parks.
Officials stressed that the investigation into Zavala’s death is ongoing and that the park’s operations will continue to be guided by law-enforcement findings and public-safety considerations. As investigators gather information, Universal has emphasized its commitment to transparency and safety as Epic Universe continues to operate and welcome visitors.