Stardust Racers Roller Coaster to Reopen at Universal Orlando Following Death

Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe is set to reopen on the afternoon of Saturday, October 4, following a temporary closure. The announcement was made in a letter to Universal Orlando Team Members by Karen Irwin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Orlando Resort.

The ride has been closed since the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers on September 17, 2025. He was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead, with the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office listing the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.” An incident report noted that Zavala had a “preexisting spinal injury.”

Universal Orlando’s safety and accessibility guide indicates that Stardust Racers is not suitable for guests with “back, neck, or similar physical conditions,” among other listed restrictions.

In the letter, Irwin extended condolences to Zavala’s family, stating, “As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss.”

Zavala’s family retained attorney Ben Crump, who has called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Crump stated that other witnesses and individuals have come forward since the event. Family members have also requested that the ride remain closed until the investigation is completed and they have a clear understanding of what occurred.

In her letter, Irwin reiterated that the “ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout,” echoing a statement previously shared with Team Members on September 21, 2025. She also stated that the park conducted an extensive review in cooperation with local authorities, and that testing was observed and reviewed by the State of Florida. Additionally, the ride system manufacturer and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site inspections, confirming the findings.

As part of the reopening, Universal Orlando will implement updated operational procedures and attraction signage.

“To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides,” Irwin wrote.

As part of the updated operational procedures, guests using mobility devices are now required to walk independently to experience Stardust Racers and other attractions, including Dragon Racer’s Rally and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This is a shift from the previous guidelines, which allowed guests to ride if they were capable of taking a small step into the ride vehicle either on their own or with the help of a companion.

Karen Irwin’s full letter to Universal Orlando Team Members:

Dear Team Members,

 As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss. I am very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took place.

As I previously indicated, our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout.

Our extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials, and the State of Florida observed the testing and reviewed the results. In addition, the ride system manufacturer of record and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing and validated our findings. I am thankful for their participation throughout this important process.

Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.

This means we are prepared to reopen Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe on Saturday afternoon, October 4.

In the days ahead, please continue to take care of one another and know that as we continue to process this heartbreaking event, resources are always available should you need additional support.

I am confident we will continue to deliver extraordinary guest experiences that make our Destination so special. Thank you for everything you do every day.

With care and appreciation,

Karen Irwin
President & Chief Operating Officer 
Universal Orlando Resort

UPDATE (October 4, 2025, at 10:08 AM): This article has been updated to reflect new information regarding operational procedures for guests using mobility devices.