In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the theme park community, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala tragically passed away following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. The event unfolded on the evening of September 17, 2025, turning what should have been a thrilling adventure into a somber reminder of the risks inherent in high-adrenaline attractions. As details emerge from official investigations, this tragedy underscores the importance of safety protocols in one of the world’s most beloved entertainment destinations. Zavala’s untimely death has prompted an outpouring of condolences and questions about the ride’s operations, with authorities confirming it as an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries.
Universal’s Epic Universe, which opened its gates in May 2025 after years of anticipation and a multi-billion-dollar investment, represents the pinnacle of immersive storytelling and cutting-edge engineering. Spanning over 750 acres, the park features five distinct “worlds” — Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe — each designed to transport visitors into fantastical realms. Among its more than 50 attractions, Stardust Racers stands out as a flagship thrill ride in Celestial Park, the park’s central hub that serves as a cosmic gateway to the other lands.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch roller coaster engineered by Vekoma, a renowned Dutch manufacturer known for its innovative ride systems. Riders are divided into two parallel tracks, simulating a high-stakes race through the stars, complete with thematic elements evoking a comet’s fiery trail. The experience begins with a dramatic launch that propels the trains to a top speed of 62 miles per hour in mere seconds.
From there, guests hurtle through a 5,000-foot track featuring sharp inversions, including a signature “inverted crisscross” where the two tracks dramatically intertwine, creating the illusion of near-collision. The ride reaches heights of up to 133 feet, incorporating sudden drops, high-banked turns, and weightless moments that mimic soaring through space. It’s marketed as one of the park’s most exhilarating offerings, drawing adrenaline seekers eager for its blend of speed, theming, and competitive racing vibe.
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Safety is paramount in such designs, with multiple redundancies including over-the-shoulder harnesses, automatic braking systems, and pre-ride health screenings. Universal posts clear warnings advising guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or recent surgeries to forgo the ride. Since its debut, Stardust Racers has been a crowd favorite, consistently ranking among the park’s top attractions for its seamless integration of technology and narrative. However, like all extreme coasters, it demands respect for its intensity — a fact now tragically highlighted by Zavala’s incident.
The Incident: A Night of Thrills Turns Tragic
The sequence of events began on a balmy Wednesday evening at Epic Universe, where thousands of guests were enjoying the park’s vibrant atmosphere under the twilight sky. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old visitor whose full name reflects his Hispanic heritage, boarded Stardust Racers with a group of fellow thrill-seekers. Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the moments leading up to the emergency.
Maria Fernandez, who rode on the adjacent dueling track, later shared her harrowing recollection with local media. She described hearing cries of “Help! Help!” echoing from Zavala’s car as the train returned to the loading platform. Peering over, Fernandez noticed Zavala slumped unnaturally in his seat, appearing unresponsive with visible signs of distress — blood on his clothing and what seemed like a severely injured leg, possibly broken.
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Panic ensued as ride operators swiftly halted the unload process and summoned first responders. Off-duty deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, present at the park for routine coverage, responded immediately to the “man down” call around 8:15 p.m. They found Zavala still harnessed in his seat, his condition critical. Orange County Fire Rescue teams arrived within minutes, administering on-site medical aid before carefully extracting him from the ride vehicle.
Video footage captured by park-goers and later reviewed by investigators shows a large law enforcement presence, including crime scene vans and forensic technicians photographing the scene in the loading area. Despite the rapid response, Zavala was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Importantly, fire officials clarified that Zavala did not fall from the coaster during the ride — a detail that dispels early rumors of a structural failure or ejection. Instead, the blunt force injuries suggest an impact occurred either on the ride or immediately upon its conclusion, though exact circumstances remain under review. Universal Orlando Resort issued a statement that evening, confirming: “The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died.” The park’s commitment to guest welfare was evident in the immediate closure of the attraction, a decision that prioritized safety over operations.
This wasn’t an isolated moment of chaos; the park’s emergency protocols kicked in flawlessly, evacuating nearby areas and providing counseling support to witnesses. Fernandez, still shaken, recounted the surreal shift from excitement to horror: “One minute we’re racing through the stars, the next it’s screams and lights flashing.” Her testimony aligns with other bystander reports, emphasizing the ride’s popularity that night — lines were reportedly over an hour long, a testament to Epic Universe’s draw just months after opening. As news spread via social media, guests expressed collective grief, with many cutting their visits short in solidarity.
Official Findings: Accident Ruled, Investigation Continues
In the hours following the tragedy, the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted a thorough autopsy, releasing preliminary findings late on September 18. The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt impact injuries, encompassing trauma to the head, torso, and extremities consistent with high-force deceleration. The manner of death was officially ruled an accident, indicating no evidence of foul play, negligence, or intentional harm. Dr. Joshua Stephany, the chief medical examiner, noted that the injuries were “non-survivable” upon impact, though specifics on the precise mechanism — whether from the ride’s forces, a pre-existing condition exacerbated by the motion, or an undetected anomaly — were withheld pending further toxicology and biomechanical analysis.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — which oversees theme park inspections — launched a multi-agency probe. Early reports from the state indicate that Universal has recorded seven minor incidents park-wide since May, including two on Stardust Racers: a 63-year-old man reporting dizziness and a 43-year-old woman experiencing leg numbness, both attributed to pre-existing medical issues.
No prior fatalities have been linked to the ride, making Zavala’s the first at Epic Universe. Investigators are examining ride logs, maintenance records, and harness functionality, with forensic teams having documented the vehicle involved. Universal has pledged full cooperation, stating: “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.”
As of September 19, Stardust Racers continues to operate under lockdown, with no reopening timeline announced. This pause allows for comprehensive safety audits, a standard procedure that could involve ride modifications or enhanced rider questionnaires. The medical examiner’s report underscores the accidental nature, potentially closing the case without assigning liability, but public scrutiny lingers. Theme park experts note that while coasters like this undergo daily inspections and rigorous testing, human factors — from rider health to harness fit — can introduce variables. Zavala’s family has not yet released a public statement, but sources close to them describe him as a vibrant individual with a passion for adventure, making this loss all the more poignant.
Community Mourns: Tributes and Safety Reflections
The outpouring of grief for Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has been profound, transforming a local story into a national conversation on theme park safety. Social media platforms buzzed with hashtags like #RIPKevinZavala and #EpicUniverseTragedy, where friends and strangers alike shared memories and condolences. One acquaintance posted: “Kevin was the guy who lit up every room — he loved life and thrills. This shouldn’t have happened.” Vigils are planned outside the park gates, with floral tributes already piling up near Celestial Park’s entrance. Universal has extended grief counseling to affected guests and staff, recognizing the emotional toll on an industry built on joy.
This incident arrives amid a broader dialogue on amusement ride risks. Statistically, fatalities at U.S. theme parks are exceedingly rare — fewer than one per year on average, per the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions — often tied to rider non-compliance or undiagnosed conditions rather than mechanical failure. Yet, Zavala’s death evokes memories of past tragedies, like the 2017 Tesla’s Tower incident at Ohio’s Cedar Point, prompting calls for stricter federal oversight. Advocacy groups such as Saferparks urge enhanced pre-ride medical disclosures and biometric monitoring, though Universal maintains its protocols exceed industry standards.
For the Epic Universe community, the loss tempers the park’s triumphant launch. Opened as a beacon of post-pandemic escapism, it drew over 10 million visitors in its first four months, lauded for innovations like interactive wands in the Harry Potter zone and life-sized Dragon racers. Stardust Racers, with its cosmic flair, symbolized that wonder — now, it’s a symbol of caution.
As investigations unfold, the focus shifts to prevention: bolstering training, refining warnings, and honoring Zavala through safer experiences. His story reminds us that behind every ride is a human element, fragile amid the spectacle. In the words of a fellow rider: “We chase the rush, but life is the real thrill — let’s protect it.” As Orlando heals, the stars over Celestial Park shine a little dimmer, but the resolve to ride on, safer together, burns brighter.