Man dies after roller coaster ride at Epic Universe in Florida; investigation underway
Orange County sheriff’s office says a man in his 30s was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers; Universal’s Epic Universe remains closed as investigators examine the incident.
A man in his 30s died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe, the new Universal Orlando Resort park in Orlando, Florida, authorities said. The Orange County Sheriff's Office said the man was found unresponsive after the ride Wednesday and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Park officials said the attraction remains closed as investigators review what happened. The sheriff’s office did not immediately release additional details.
Stardust Racers is described on the park’s website as a dual-launch coaster that can reach speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph). Epic Universe opened in May and features five themed lands and a 500-room hotel. The park represents the first major, traditional theme park to debut in Florida since Islands of Adventure in 1999, though Universal has since opened other attractions and experiences in the region. The death at Epic Universe comes as investigators continue to examine safety and maintenance at the state’s largest theme parks.
Universal Orlando Resorts issued a statement expressing condolences and saying it is cooperating with Orange County authorities. “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” a Universal spokesperson said. “We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation.” The attraction remains closed as investigators gather facts and attempt to determine what occurred.
The incident underscores the regulatory landscape governing Florida’s largest theme parks, which operate their own safety inspection programs rather than undergoing routine state inspections. State law requires reporting of serious injuries or deaths, but day-to-day inspections are handled by the park operator. In the second quarter of this year, Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld Orlando logged about a dozen incident reports, ranging from unresponsiveness on a carousel at SeaWorld to a preexisting-condition-related loss of consciousness after a ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Since Epic Universe opened in May, there have been three health-related reports tied to on-site rides. In May, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and an altered state of consciousness, and a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition reported a visual disturbance and numbness after riding Stardust Racers on separate days. A 32-year-old man experienced chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Officials stressed that there is no indication of foul play at this stage and that investigators continue to gather information from witnesses, hospital staff, and park records.
As Epic Universe continues to operate, the park and regulatory authorities will likely review ride design, maintenance, and monitoring procedures. The incident arrives at a time when Florida’s theme-park industry remains a major driver of tourism in a state that attracts visitors globally. Park officials have said safety remains a priority, and they will cooperate with investigators as more information becomes available.