ORLANDO, Fla. – A guest visiting Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida became unresponsive after riding one of its roller coasters and later died at the hospital, a spokesperson for the theme park said.
Epic Universe ride closes after guest’s death
What we know:
In a statement to FOX 35 on Wednesday, Universal said the guest became unresponsive after riding its Stardust Racers roller coaster. The guest was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. The Orange County Medical Examiner confirmed an autopsy was conducted on Zavala and listed the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries.
His death was ruled an accident.
What they’re saying:
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
What is Stardust Racers?
Dig deeper:
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster located within Epic Universal’s Celestial Park. It was one of the most anticipated attractions at Epic Universe, which celebrated its grand opening in May 2025.
Guests launch and race against each other across 5,000-feet of track, reaching heights up to 133 feet and up to 62 mph.
Here is how Universal describes Stardust Racers on its website:
“Share a race across the cosmos on Stardust Racers, a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph. Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. Race along an inverted crisscross, known as the ‘Celestial Spin’ in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music.”
Epic Universe is home to five lands: Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Celestial Park.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Universal Orlando and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
