Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicA guest has reportedly passed away at Epic Universe.
Universal has confirmed that last night (September 17), a male guest at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park passed away while riding the park’s flagship roller coaster, Stardust Racers.
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe,” Universal said in a statement (via WESH 2 News). “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.”
WESH 2 News also shared footage of a large law enforcement presence at the park, including crime scene vans and a forensic team taking photos of the train.
Witness Shares New Details About Epic Universe Incident
A witness has since shared new details about the incident. A Reddit user – who was apparently standing in line at the time – alleged that the passenger appeared to pass out mid-ride and hit his head.
“From what I could tell, he passed out on the ride and hit his head mid ride,” they wrote. “By the time the coaster got back the passenger who was with him, who I think was his mother, was frantic. Some checked for a pulse there didn’t get anything.”
The guest also added that he appeared to be in his mid to late 20s. “I didn’t see it happen, I just saw him laying there in the chair,” they wrote. “I think I heard his mother say he hit his head while passed out.”
Stardust Racers (previously known as Starfall Racers before the park’s debut until Universal changed its name over a legal challenge) is located within the park’s Celestial Park area. The dual-launch ride sends guests racing against each other along 5,000 feet of track, soaring up to 133 feet and hitting speeds of 62 mph. Universal describes it as a chance to “share a race across the cosmos” on a breathtaking, high-speed adventure.
Since opening in May, Epic Universe has rapidly established itself as one of the nation’s hottest theme parks. With five sparkling lands – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk (complete with flying dragon animatronics), and Celestial Park – its attractions have received rave reviews from guests (even if some feel like the Universal Orlando Resort park is still working out a few operational kinks).
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