News Summary
A 32-year-old man died after riding the ‘Stardust Racers’ roller coaster at Epic Universe in Orlando. Kevin Zavala was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. An investigation revealed he had a preexisting spinal injury, raising concerns about safety at local theme parks, especially as prior medical issues had been reported on the ride. In the aftermath, a GoFundMe page was created in his memory, reflecting the emotional toll on family and friends. The ride remains closed while officials examine the circumstances of the incident.
Orlando, Florida – A tragic incident at the Epic Universe theme park has resulted in the death of a 32-year-old man, Kevin Zavala, following a ride on the “Stardust Racers” roller coaster on September 19, 2025. Zavala was found unresponsive after the ride and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has initiated an investigation into what has been categorized as an accident. According to the medical examiner, Zavala suffered from “multiple blunt impact injuries,” raising questions about the circumstances of his death.
The investigation revealed that Zavala had a “preexisting spinal injury,” although it remains uncertain whether this condition played a role in the incident. The “Stardust Racers,” which reaches heights of approximately 133 feet, has been closed to the public since the tragic event. Universal Orlando’s safety guidelines explicitly state that the ride is “not for guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions,” a critical point that adds complexity to the investigation.
In the months preceding the incident, a total of 12 injuries were reported at Central Florida theme parks, with seven of those occurring at Universal Orlando. Specifically, three injuries were reported at Epic Universe, only a month after its grand opening in May 2025. Concerns around the safety of rides in the amusement park sector come to the forefront, especially as two other guests reported medical issues on “Stardust Racers” prior to Zavala’s accident. A 63-year-old man had experienced dizziness, while a 47-year-old woman reported a visual disturbance, both tied to preexisting health conditions.
In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe page was set up for Zavala, with an initial fundraising goal of $16,000 that was later increased to $28,000. Friends and family have taken to social media to share their memories of Zavala, portraying him as compassionate and supportive, contributing to the emotional impact of this tragic event.
Despite the accident, other areas of the Epic Universe theme park continued to function normally, and there has been no disruption in operations aside from the closure of the “Stardust Racers” ride. The investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing, as officials aim to uncover the full details surrounding the fatal incident.
It is noteworthy that Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal Orlando, are exempt from state safety inspections and are responsible for conducting their own safety protocols. They are required to report any injuries or fatalities to the state, adding another layer of oversight and responsibility in the management of guest safety within these amusement parks.
The incident has brought heightened awareness regarding safety measures at theme parks, encouraging discussions on how to better protect guests, especially those with preexisting medical conditions that may affect their experience on thrill rides.
As the investigation continues, many will be looking for clarity around the events that led to Kevin Zavala’s untimely death and what steps may be taken to ensure the safety of park visitors in the future.
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Additional Resources
- KSBY: Man dies after riding roller coaster at new Florida theme park Epic Universe
- Orlando Magazine: First Look at Legoland Florida’s Galacticoaster
- SCMP: US man dies after riding roller coaster at new Florida theme park
- Click Orlando: Guest who died after riding Stardust Racers had spinal injury
- Blooloop: Legoland Florida’s New Coaster Galacticoaster
- Wikipedia: Theme park
- Google Search: Florida theme park safety incidents
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.
