A man in his 30s has died after he became unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers coaster at Universal’s new Epic Universe in Florida on Wednesday (17 September), authorities and park officials have confirmed.
Stardust Racers remains closed as authorities investigate the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32. His cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries, according to the medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties (via NBC News).
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said off-duty deputies found a man on the roller coaster and took him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Universal cooperating with investigation
A Universal Orlando spokesperson said in a statement: “Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night.
“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.”
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster reaching speeds of up to 62 mph and top heights of 133 feet across 5,000 feet of track.
The ride opened earlier this year as part of the new Epic Universe theme park, Universal Orlando’s fourth gate.
Last month, Universal announced that revenue increased by 19 percent at its theme parks in the second quarter of 2025, boosted by the new Epic Universe park.
Overall growth at Comcast, NBCUniversal’s parent company, was “led by theme parks, with the successful opening of Epic Universe, which is having a positive impact on our overall Universal Orlando Resort” said Brian Roberts, chairman and CEO of Comcast.
Images courtesy of Universal
