News Summary
A tragic incident occurred at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the death an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries. Despite the ride’s systems functioning correctly, Zavala had a preexisting spinal injury, and the ride is now closed pending investigation. Friends and family have initiated a GoFundMe campaign in his memory. This incident raises concerns over ride safety protocols at the park.
Orlando, Florida – A tragic incident occurred at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster on September 17, 2025. Zavala was found unresponsive on the ride and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Orange County Medical Examiner attributed Zavala’s death to an accident, citing “multiple blunt impact injuries.” In response to the incident, Karen Irwin, Universal Orlando’s President & COO, offered condolences to Zavala’s family and the team members impacted by the tragedy.
According to internal findings from Universal Orlando, all ride systems functioned correctly, and the equipment was intact during the ride. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident, which includes an inspection of the ride’s design, assembly, and restraint systems.
Before boarding the Stardust Racers, Zavala had a documented history of a preexisting spinal injury. Universal Orlando’s safety guidelines explicitly indicate that the ride is not suitable for guests with such physical conditions. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Zavala slumped over and bleeding after exiting the ride. Universal Orlando Health Services personnel performed CPR on Zavala at the scene in an attempt to revive him.
The Stardust Racers roller coaster, known for its thrilling dual-launch experience, reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and stands at a height of 133 feet. Since the accident, the ride has been closed, and no timeline has been provided for its reopening.
Friends and family of Zavala have initiated a GoFundMe campaign in his memory, which has successfully raised nearly $28,000 to cover funeral expenses. Zavala was accompanied by his girlfriend during the incident, who reported experiencing panic attacks and appearing visibly shaken by the event. It was also noted that Zavala had been using a wheelchair prior to riding the coaster.
This incident was not the first concerning the Stardust Racers; since its opening, there have been two previous medical occurrences involving guests with preexisting conditions. Previous incidents at the park included a 63-year-old man who experienced dizziness and a 47-year-old woman who reported having a visual disturbance, both occurring on separate days. It is important to note that the sheriff’s office did not receive any 911 calls related to Zavala’s incident, likely due to regulations preventing guests from bringing phones on the ride.
Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal Orlando, conduct their own safety inspections and are required to report any injuries or fatalities that occur on their rides. The ongoing investigation into Zavala’s death seeks to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed and to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding this concerning incident.
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Additional Resources
- WESH: Universal Orlando’s President on Stardust Racers Ride Functionality
- Wikipedia: Stardust Racers
- Click Orlando: Guest Who Died After Riding Stardust Racers
- Google Search: Stardust Racers Incident
- CNN: Epic Universe Death at Stardust Racers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theme Park
- Fox Business: Man Died After Becoming Unresponsive at Universal Rollercoaster
- Google News: Universal Orlando Stardust Racers
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.
