Guest Dies After Riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe

A tragic incident unfolded at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe theme park on Wednesday night, as a guest became unresponsive after riding the popular Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died, according to authorities and Universal officials.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that off-duty deputies responded to the scene. The guest, identified as a man in his 30s, was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Universal Orlando released a statement about the incident: “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. 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.”

Stardust Racers is a high-speed roller coaster ride that has quickly become a centerpiece of the new Epic Universe theme park, which officially opened on May 22, 2025. This dual-launch coaster is known for its exhilarating experience, reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights soaring to 133 feet.

UPDATE (September 18, 2025, at 5:16 PM): The guest who passed away has been identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala from Kissimmee.

Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany said that an autopsy was conducted on Thursday morning, revealing the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.” The cause of death was determined to be an accident. The guest did not fall from the ride.

UPDATE (September 20, 2025, at 2:31 AM): According to an incident report, the guest had a “preexisting spinal injury.” Universal Orlando’s safety and accessibility guide states that the attraction is not suitable for guests with “back, neck, or similar physical conditions,” among other restrictions. It remains unclear whether the guest’s condition played a role in the accident. The official investigation is still ongoing.

UPDATE (September 21, 2025, at 8:20 PM): Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, addressed Team Members regarding the death of a guest who rode Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. The letter provides an update on the company’s internal findings, which “confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures.” The letter highlights that the attraction remains closed, and this is an “ongoing investigation.” Click here for more details.