A 32-year-old man passed away on Wednesday evening after becoming unresponsive while on the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, as confirmed by authorities.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was discovered unresponsive on the ride at approximately 9:20 p.m. on September 17, 2025, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Off-duty deputies attended to a medical emergency call at the theme park and found Zavala on the platform parallel to the ride tracks, where Orange County Fire Rescue and Universal Orlando Health Services were administering CPR.
Radio communications released by the sheriff’s office reveal that authorities were summoned to assist a patient with a laceration who was unresponsive. An officer in the communications stated, “I’m being advised it’s not looking good.” Zavala was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was declared deceased at 10:05 p.m.
Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany determined on Thursday that Zavala’s death resulted from multiple blunt impact injuries, ruling it an accident. Officials clarified that Zavala did not fall from the ride during the incident.
An incident report disclosed that Zavala had a preexisting spinal injury and used a wheelchair, according to his girlfriend of ten years who was present at the park. She informed law enforcement that Zavala was on medication for his condition. Universal Orlando’s safety guide specifies that Stardust Racers is not suitable for guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions.
Maria Fernandez, another guest on the ride at the same time as Zavala, recounted seeing a woman calling for help when the ride concluded. Fernandez described Zavala as appearing slumped over and bleeding, with an apparent leg injury. She reported that as security began guiding riders off the rollercoaster, she believed Zavala might have already passed away.
Tommy Italiano, who was in line to board the ride when the incident happened, described the scene to local media. He noted that families were separated without phones, creating what he called a chaotic situation with people yelling, screaming, and crying.
Universal Orlando Resorts released a statement expressing sorrow over the event and offering condolences to Zavala’s family. The company confirmed full cooperation with the ongoing investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Stardust Racers, which began operation in May alongside the rest of Epic Universe, is a dual-launch racing coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet along its 5,000-foot track. The attraction, described as Universal’s most thrilling coaster, is temporarily closed while the investigation is active.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has dispatched an inspector to Epic Universe to determine the cause of Zavala’s death. This incident marks the first fatality at the new theme park since its opening.
Earlier reports noted that two minor incidents with Stardust Racers were reported to the state as of July 15. On June 22, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition reported dizziness, and two days later, a 47-year-old woman experienced a visual disturbance and numbness while on the ride.
Epic Universe is Universal’s fourth theme park in Florida and the first major traditional theme park to open in the state since Universal Islands of Adventure launched in 1999. The park includes five themed sections, 11 different rides, and a 500-room hotel.
Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Walt Disney World, are exempt from state safety inspections, unlike smaller venues and fairs. These major parks conduct their own inspections and adhere to their own protocols, but are required to report any injuries or deaths to state authorities.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated on Friday that while there is considerable interest in this case, further information is unlikely to be released while the investigation remains ongoing.
