News Summary
Universal Orlando’s president announced the reopening of the Stardust Racers attraction after a two-week closure due to a fatal accident. While the ride will resume operations on October 4, criticisms from the victim’s family and safety advocates persist. They emphasize the need for thorough investigations and improved safety measures following the tragedy that claimed Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s life. Despite internal reviews asserting the ride’s safety, concerns regarding operational procedures and past incidents continue to dominate discussions as the reopening approaches.
Orlando, Florida – Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin has announced that the Stardust Racers attraction at Epic Universe will reopen on October 4, following a two-week closure in response to a fatal accident that occurred on September 17. During that tragic incident, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the roller coaster and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The medical examiner determined that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled the incident an accident. Although Zavala had a pre-existing spinal condition, his family described him as independent and a fan of roller coasters. Following the accident, Irwin shared that internal findings indicated the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that all equipment was intact during Zavala’s ride.
In light of the incident, attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Zavala’s family, has called for enhanced governmental oversight regarding the investigation of the ride. Crump has also reported that he has received multiple complaints concerning safety restraints on the Stardust Racers. However, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services concluded its investigation, supporting Universal’s findings and confirming the ride’s proper functionality.
Irwin emphasized in her letter that safety remains a top priority and mentioned that updates to operational procedures and attraction signage will be made to reinforce ride warnings and eligibility requirements for riders. Notably, Stardust Racers reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and ascends to a height of 133 feet.
The quick decision to reopen the ride has drawn criticism from Zavala’s family, who believe it reflects a lack of respect for their son’s life as well as concerns for the safety of future riders. Crump also expressed concerns that reopening the ride before an independent examination could jeopardize evidence and pose risks to public safety.
In addition to Zavala’s tragic death, other guests have reported various injuries related to the Stardust Racers, citing issues with restraints and the handling of the ride. This mounting evidence of safety concerns has led to a separate lawsuit against Universal, stemming from a prior incident involving the roller coaster.
Universal Orlando has conducted an extensive review in conjunction with local officials and third-party engineers, all confirming the proper functionality of the ride systems. Irwin’s letter acknowledged operational and safety updates that will be implemented following the incident, showcasing the theme park’s commitment to enhancing safety measures.
As the reopening date approaches, controversy surrounding the Stardust Racers lingers, with calls for transparency in the ongoing investigation. Families of the patrons, along with safety advocates, continue to emphasize the importance of thorough examinations and accountability in recreational settings such as amusement parks.
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Additional Resources
- Click Orlando
- Wikipedia: Amusement park
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Google Search: Universal Orlando
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: rollercoaster safety
- Florida Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: safety in amusement parks
- WFLA News
- Google News: amusement ride safety
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.
