A shocking incident occurred at Orlando’s newest amusement park, Universal Epic Universe, where a 32-year-old man named Kevin Rodriguez Zavala tragically died after riding the Stardust Racers rollercoaster on the evening of September 17. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Zavala was found unresponsive on the ride and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Chief Medical Examiner for Orange and Osceola counties confirmed that the cause of death resulted from multiple blunt impact injuries. Authorities ruled the death an accident, but details about how the injuries occurred have not yet been disclosed publicly. Due to the ongoing investigation, the Stardust Racers ride remains closed.
Epic Universe, a $7 billion theme park that only opened in May 2025, is the first major traditional theme park to open in Florida in over two decades. The Stardust Racers attraction is one of the park’s standout rides—a dual-launch roller coaster with speeds reaching 62 mph and a track length of 5,000 feet.
Universal Orlando Resorts released an official statement expressing devastation, extending heartfelt condolences to Zavala’s family and friends. They assured full cooperation with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
This tragic event cast a pall over the new park, known for immersive themed lands including Celestial Park and Super Nintendo World. Authorities continue to seek answers while ensuring safety remains paramount in their entertainment venues.
