Tragedy at Universal Epic Universe: Visitor Dies After Riding Stardust Racers, Details Revealed

Liputan6.com, Jakarta In September 2025, a tragic incident rocked Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida.

A guest was pronounced dead shortly after riding the newly opened Stardust Racers roller coaster.

The victim was identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man, who was found unresponsive after completing the ride on Wednesday evening, September 17, 2025.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but his life could not be saved.

The incident led to the temporary closure of Stardust Racers.

Orange-Osceola County Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany determined Zavala's cause of death was "multiple blunt impact injuries," and his death was classified as an accident.

“The cause of death is “multiple blunt impact injuries,” according to Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany” - News 6 Interesting because I just want to make it clear, Stardust Racers is by NO MEANS a rough ride. As time goes on I’m curious if investigators will find more. pic.twitter.com/a21JWhJ24l

— Theme Park Obsession (@ParkObsession) September 18, 2025

The fatal incident involving Kevin Rodriguez Zavala occurred on Wednesday evening, September 17, 2025.

According to a statement from Universal Studios, Zavala, who was visiting the park on Wednesday night, became unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racer ride located inside Celestial Park Epic Universe.

Despite life-saving efforts, Zavala was rushed to the hospital for further treatment.

However, he was pronounced dead at the facility.

In a swift response to the tragedy, Universal Epic Universe decided to close the Stardust Racers ride.

This closure began Wednesday evening and continued through Thursday to facilitate the ongoing investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The identity of the victim who died on the Stardust Racers ride has been confirmed as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man.

This information was released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office following the tragic incident.

Orange-Osceola County Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany performed an autopsy on Zavala to determine the exact cause of death.

The autopsy results indicated that Zavala died from "multiple blunt impact injuries."

His death was officially classified as an accident, as reported by Wesh.

While the cause of death has been released, Stephany's statement did not provide further details regarding the specific location of the injuries on the victim's body.

Universal Orlando Resort expressed its deepest condolences for the tragic incident involving one of its guests.

They stated that they were "devastated by this tragic event" and extended their deepest sympathies to the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.

“We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guests’ loved ones,” park officials stated.

In their efforts to uncover the truth behind this incident, Universal Orlando affirmed their willingness to fully cooperate with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died,” Universal stated in a statement that was sent through the Orange County Fire Rescue Department.

Stardust Racers is a steel double-launch roller coaster that is one of the main attractions at Universal Epic Universe, a Celestial Park.

Located in Orlando, Florida, the ride officially opened to the public on May 22, 2025, coinciding with the opening of Universal Epic Universe.

From its inception, Stardust Racers has been described as one of the park's most spectacular and highly anticipated attractions.

Stardust Racers can reach speeds of up to 62 mph (approximately 100 km/h) and reach a maximum height of 133 feet (approximately 40.5 meters).

With a track length of 5,000 feet (approximately 1,500 meters), the ride was designed by Mack Rides, a leading ride manufacturer known for its innovation.

Before the fatal incident involving Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, the Stardust Racers ride had two other incidents in June 2025.

Both incidents were reported by Universal as part of its injury reporting procedures to the state, in accordance with the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

On June 22, a 63-year-old man experienced dizziness and altered consciousness after riding the ride.

Universal noted that this guest had a pre-existing medical condition, which may have contributed to the incident.

Two days later, on June 24, a 47-year-old woman also experienced visual disturbances and numbness after riding Stardust Racers.