Universal Orlando President Issues Letter Regarding Stardust Racers Death, Says Ride Was Functioning Properly

Universal Orlando Resort’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Karen Irwin, has issued a letter to Universal Orlando Team Members regarding the tragic death of a guest on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the resort’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park.

In the letter, Irwin expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and the wider Universal Orlando community, acknowledging the emotional toll of the incident.

”Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss,” Irwin wrote.

The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a resident of Kissimmee, became unresponsive after riding the popular Stardust Racers roller coaster. Zavala was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities and Universal officials. Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany said that an autopsy was conducted on Thursday morning, revealing the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.”

Internal findings from Universal Orlando’s investigation into the incident have confirmed that the Stardust Racers ride was functioning properly at the time. Irwin’s letter to Team Members stated that the “ride systems functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station.” The internal investigation also notes that its Team Members followed all procedures.

An incident report reveals that Zavala 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, though it’s unclear whether the guest’s condition played a role in the accident.

Irwin included in her letter that Stardust Racers “remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record” and to “be mindful that this is an ongoing investigation.”

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

Dear Team Members,

In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one.

As you may know, on Wednesday evening, a Guest was unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, was transported to the hospital, and later sadly passed away.

Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, our Team Members, for the resilience, compassion and professionalism you have shown. I am proud of the way you supported one another and our Guests, while carrying out your responsibilities with care and excellence during an incredibly hard moment.

Our internal findings to date 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 attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.

In the days ahead, please be mindful that this is an ongoing investigation. I ask that you continue to support each other and remember emotional support resources are available for you both in-person and virtually.

Thank you for living our values and the commitment you bring to our Guests and each other, especially in moments like this. Together we will continue to move forward with compassion, care and professionalism.

With appreciation and care,

Karen Irwin
President & COO
Universal Orlando Resort

Stardust Racers is a high-speed roller coaster ride that officially opened with the Epic Universe theme park on May 22, 2025. It’s a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph and heights soaring to 133 feet.

UPDATE (September 22, 2025, at 5:42 PM): The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the agency responsible for investigating ride accidents in the state, issued a statement to FOX 35 on Monday. It read, “The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information. The investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s family has retained attorney Ben Crump, who previously represented the father of Tyre Sampson, the teenager who fell from a drop tower ride at ICON Park in 2022. In response to Zavala’s death, Crump stated, “This tragic loss demands a thorough investigation and full transparency. A man died after boarding a ride that should have been safe. We will hold all responsible parties to account and fight to ensure Kevin’s family receives the answers and justice they deserve”

Crump’s office issued a statement saying the family is seeking “full transparency, including the release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage, to understand the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s death.”