Stardust Racers at Epic Universe set to reopen
Universal Orlando’s Stardust Racers at Epic Universe is expected to reopen as soon as Saturday, more than two weeks after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died following a ride on the roller coaster.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Universal Orlando is prepared to reopen its Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe, slightly more than two weeks after the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.
In a letter to Universal Team Members (employees) on Friday, Universal Orlando President Karen Irwin said teams have conducted several safety checks, inspections and investigations, and that the theme park was prepared to reopen the ride as early as Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4, 2025.
“We continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss,” Irwin wrote in her letter, which was obtained by FOX 35 Orlando on Friday.
“Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.”
Read the letter
Dear Team Members,
As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss. I am very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took
place.
As I previously indicated, our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout.
Our extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials, and the State of Florida observed the testing and reviewed the results. In addition, the ride system manufacturer of record and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing and validated our findings. I am thankful for their participation throughout this important process.
Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.
This means we are prepared to reopen Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe on Saturday afternoon, October 4.
Epic Universe Stardust racers to reopen: What we know
Tharin White, Lead Publisher at EYNTK.info joins FOX 35’s Garrett Wymer live via Zoom to break down Universal President and COO Karen Irwin’s letter to staff confirming Universal will re-open the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Epic Universe, less than a month after Epic Universe guest Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the coaster.
In the days ahead, please continue to take care of one another and know that as we continue to process this heartbreaking event, resources are always available should you need additional support.
I am confident we will continue to deliver extraordinary guest experiences that make our Destination so special. Thank you for everything you do every day.
With care and appreciation,
President and Chief Operating Officer
Universal Orlando Resort
What changes are being made to Stardust Racers?
In her letter, Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin said that some operational and signage changes were being made to Stardust Racers.
“Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.”
FOX 35 reached out to Universal Orlando for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Attorney Ben Crump: ‘Stardust Racers is evidence in an active death investigation’
The other side:
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, issued a statement on the planned reopening of Stardust Racers, demanding that it remain closed until its investigators can fully inspect the ride.
“Stardust Racers is evidence in an active death investigation. Reopening the ride before our experts can examine every component is unadulterated spoliation of evidence, a grave risk to public safety, and puts profit over people’s lives. Universal reportedly told employees the ride functioned as intended. If that is accurate, then the design itself is deadly. We are demanding that Universal pause the reopening, preserve all evidence, and allow our experts to inspect it. If they refuse, we will address Universal’s callous actions in court,” said Attorney Ben Crump in a prepared statement.
Who was Kevin Rodriguez Zavala?
The backstory:
On Sept. 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive while on Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster at Epic Universe. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died.
The Orange County Medical Examiner said Zavala died from “multiple blunt force injuries,” and ruled his death an accident. An incident report from the Orange County Fire Department said Universal paramedics responded quickly, and Orange County paramedics responded within 7-13 minutes.
Zavala had no pulse and was still in the ride restraints when paramedics arrived, the report said.
Ben Crump: We know of more injuries on Stardust Racers ride
On Tuesday morning, Attorney Ben Crump delivered an update in the case of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Zavala became unresponsive while on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers roller coaster and later died at the hospital, officials said. He died from “multiple blunt force injuries.” His death was ruled an accident.
Attorney Ben Crump has been retained by Zavala’s family, who is demanding full transparency into what happened and how to ensure it does not happen again.
Zavala was remembered by family as a theme park enthusiast, a loving brother, and someone who lived life fully and without limitations. He was born with a spinal injury, but lived a fully independent life, Crump said.
Epic Universe death: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s parents talk
The parents of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala talked at a press conference alongside Attorney Ben Crump about the death of their son after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Zavala became unresponsive on the ride and was taken to the hospital where he died. He died from “multiple blunt force injuries,” the Medical Examiner said. His death was ruled an accident.
Lawsuit settled: Woman claims ‘permanent injuries’ after Stardust ride
Days after Zavala’s death was reported, a woman filed a lawsuit against Epic Universe alleging negligence after she rode Stardust Racers during a preview. A day after, the woman and Universal reached a settlement and dismissed the suit, according to court records.
What is Stardust Racers?
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.
Universal reports 2 previous injuries on Stardust Racers
In Florida, smaller amusement parks and theme parks fall under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services jurisdiction when it comes to ride safety, inspections and permits. However, Florida’s major theme parks, such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld, conduct their own inspections and self-report injuries to the state.
It’s part of a Memorandum of Understanding that’s been in place for decades. Theme parks have to report injuries every quarter.
For the first six months of 2025, January to July, Universal reported 10 injuries. Since Epic opened on May 22, Universal reported two injuries involving Stardust Racers:
- On June 22, a 63-year-old man experienced dizziness/altered state of consciousness. Universal noted that he had a pre-existing condition.
- On June 24, a 47-year-old female experienced visual disturbance/numbness. Universal noted that she had a pre-existing condition.
What is Epic Universe?
On May 22, Epic Universe joined Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay as Universal’s newest theme park in Orlando.
Epic Universe is home to five lands: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
The Source: Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin sent a letter to Universal Team Members (employees) on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, which was obtained by FOX 35 Orlando.
