A 32-year-old man has died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park.
Authorities confirmed the victim as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala of Kissimmee, who became unresponsive on the ride Wednesday evening, Sept. 17, 2025.
According to the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office, an autopsy determined that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries, ruling the incident an accident.
He was transported to a nearby hospital shortly after being found slumped over in the coaster but was later pronounced dead.
A spokesperson for Universal Orlando released a statement acknowledging the tragedy:
“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.”
Guest Maria Fernandez, who was riding on the same train, recalled to WKMG News 6 that other passengers began screaming for help when the coaster finished its run. “The girl was screaming, and we didn’t understand what happened. … [Zavala] appeared to be slumped over, bleeding, with his leg seemingly broken,” she said.
Opened in May as one of Epic Universe’s headline attractions, Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that reaches speeds of 62 mph and a height of 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track.
Universal promotes it as its most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers including an inverted crisscross.
The ride has now been closed indefinitely.
Recent Safety Reports
State data shows that Epic Universe reported multiple medical incidents on Stardust Racers earlier this year:
- June 22: 63-year-old man experienced dizziness and altered consciousness (preexisting condition).
- June 24: 47-year-old woman reported numbness and visual disturbance (preexisting condition).
Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Disney, are exempt from routine state inspections. Instead, they perform in-house ride safety checks but must report any guest injury or death to the state.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Zavala.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.