News Summary
A man in his 30s tragically died after becoming unresponsive following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe in Orlando. Universal has expressed condolences and is cooperating with an ongoing investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The popular attraction has been closed indefinitely as safety measures are reassessed, raising concerns over amusement park ride safety and protocols in light of this upsetting event.
Orlando, Florida – Tragic Incident at Epic Universe
A guest died after becoming unresponsive following a ride on the roller coaster Stardust Racers at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. The incident took place on Wednesday night, September 17, 2025. The guest, a man in his 30s, was identified by Orange County Fire Rescue. After he became unresponsive, he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Universal, the owner of Epic Universe, described the event as a tragic event and extended condolences to the guest’s loved ones. The theme park is actively cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In response to the guest’s death, Stardust Racers, which was a popular attraction since its opening in May 2025, has been closed indefinitely. This dual-launch racing coaster, notable for reaching speeds up to 62 mph and climbing to a height of 133 feet, features a thrilling 5,000 feet of unique track maneuvers that captivated many park visitors before the incident.
Despite the tragic occurrence, Universal stressed its commitment to guest safety and is working closely with the authorities on the investigation. As the investigation unfolds, officials are likely to assess all safety measures currently in place and will aim to understand the reasons behind this unfortunate event.
The incident at Epic Universe adds to growing concerns about safety at amusement parks, as operators aim to maintain high safety standards while delivering exhilarating experiences. Though the details surrounding the tragic event remain limited, the event has resonated with park visitors and has led to increased scrutiny over roller coaster safety protocols.
As more information becomes available, Universal is expected to release updates to the public regarding the investigation findings and any implications for the attraction’s future operations. It remains vital for theme parks to ensure the safety of their rides and to listen to the guests’ concerns moving forward.
This occurrence serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with amusement park rides, prompting both operators and guests to maintain awareness regarding safety practices.
The theme park community will be watching closely as Universal handles the situation, with hopes of preventing such tragedies in the future.
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- Disney Dining: Flood Threat at Disney World and Universal
- Travel and Tour World: Cold Weather Advisory for Disney World
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- ABC News: Disney World Theme Park Reopening
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- Wikipedia: Amusement Park
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amusement Parks
- Google News: Disney World Incident
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
