Apparently Universals new Epic Universe Park just suffered an on ride death on their hottest ride. The Dueling Coaster "Stardust Racers". A 32 year old man was found seated and restrained in the ride, unresponsive, . The initial Medical Examiners Report says he died of multiple blunt force injuries.
There looks to be a bit of a mystery with this one. Sadly no footage of the event as all guest phones need to be secured in free ride lockers before getting in line.
BREAKING NEWS
‘Tragic event:’ Guest dies after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando
‘Help! Help!’ Cause of death revealed for guest who rode Stardust Racers at Epic Universe
Witness recounted incident to News 6
Anthony Talcott, Digital JournalistDaniel Dahm, Digital Content Manager
Mike Valente, Reporter
Published: September 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Tags: Theme Parks, Orange County, Orlando, Universal Orlando, Death Investigation, Epic Universe, Universal Epic Universe, Stardust Racers
ORLANDO, Fla. – In the wake of a guest dying after riding an Epic Universe roller coaster on Wednesday, the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner has released the cause of death.
The guest — identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala — was found unresponsive after riding the coaster, prompting first responders to take him to the hospital, Orange County deputies announced.
Zavala was ultimately pronounced dead at the hospital. However, Orange County fire officials said that he hadn’t fallen from the roller coaster.
Instead, Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany told News 6 that Thursday’s autopsy revealed the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
“The manner of death is accident,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, a Universal spokesperson provided News 6 with the following statement on Thursday evening:
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Fellow guest Maria Fernandez, who said she was one of the dueling racers at the same time as Zavala, recounted what happened to News 6.
“When I was on the ride, the travel finishes, and one girl starts to say, ‘Help! Help! Help!’” she explained. “...The girl was screaming, and we didn’t understand what happened.”
When the ride came to a stop, security began to usher riders off the roller coaster, Fernandez added.
She said that Zavala appeared to be slumped over, bleeding, with his leg seemingly broken.
“I don’t know if he was dead in that moment, but I think yes,” she continued.
Stardust Racers has been one of the most popular attractions at Epic Universe since it opened in May.
The ride is a dual-launch racing coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph and reaches a height of 133 feet. It’s described as Universal’s most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers along 5,000 feet of track.
Universal Studios' Ride Guys give a sneak peek of Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. (Universal Orlando Resort)
The Universal App shows the ride is closed on Thursday.
Universal Orlando Resorts opened Epic Universe in May. The park has five themed sections and a 500-room hotel.
It’s the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, when Universal Islands of Adventure debuted, though Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017.
The addition of Epic Universe brought the total number of parks at the Florida resort to four, including Universal Studios.
Florida’s largest theme parks are exempt from state safety inspections, unlike smaller venues and fairs. Instead, the largest theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal conduct their own inspections and have their own protocols, but they must report to the state any injury or death.
Records by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services show that a 32-year-old man experienced notable chest pain while riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders back in May.
Hiccup's Wing Gliders (Universal Orlando)
In June, those same records state that two other guests suffered conditions while riding on Stardust Racers: a 63-year-old man who experienced dizziness, and a 47-year-old woman who had a “visual disturbance. Both of those guests rode the roller coaster on separate days and had pre-existing conditions.
The agency released this statement to News 6 regarding the incident:
“The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is aware of the incident and currently has an investigator on scene. Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released as it is available.”
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Edit; Formating fixed
Heres a full ride POV from the Yellow SideSome coverage
Here's a better look at the ride vehicles and restraints
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I'm planning a trip to Universal Epic Universe this winter.