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Credit: UniversalOn September 17, one of the newest roller coasters at the Universal Orlando Resort was forced to shut down immediately after a guest passed away while riding it. 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who relied on a wheelchair to get around, reportedly fell unconscious while on the ride. When the car returned to the station, emergency services were on scene and immediately began life-saving measures.
Sadly, Mr. Zavala never regained consciousness and, according to the medical examiner’s report, died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Mr. Zavala’s family demanded answers, and an investigation was launched to try to find out exactly what happened on that tragic day.
Related: Work on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Moves Forward After Death Report
Stardust Racers was shut down, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was called in to conduct an investigation and inspect the dual-launch coaster. FDACS said that Universal was cooperating fully with the investigation.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office also began a manslaughter investigation, but said that the investigation was a required procedure any time there is a death from unnatural circumstances.
Several days after Mr. Zavala’s death, Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin sent a statement to Universal team members, saying that Stardust Racers was functioning normally on that day. She said that Universal’s own investigation confirmed that the “ride systems functioned as intended” and all equipment was working as it should from start to finish.
Related: Woman Sues Universal Over Roller Coaster Injuries After Man Dies
The family of Mr. Zavala is demanding answers and asking that Stardust Racers remain closed until all investigations are complete. They are working with famous civil rights attorney Ben Crump to find out exactly what happened to Mr. Zavala and make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else in the future.
However, according to theme park insider Drew Smith, Universal plans to reopen the attraction on Saturday, October 4.
NEW: Stardust Racers is planned to reopen tomorrow afternoon, October 4, at Universal Epic Universe.
NEW: Stardust Racers is planned to reopen tomorrow afternoon, October 4, at Universal Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/cA6F8AXolV
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) October 3, 2025
Shortly after the news broke, Ms. Irwin confirmed the attraction would reopen in a letter to team members.
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.
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,
Karen Irwin
President & Chief Operating Officer
Universal Orlando Resort
Since Mr. Zavala’s heartbreaking passing, multiple people have come forward, claiming they were injured on the attraction. One woman even filed a lawsuit for injuries she allegedly suffered back in April. Universal quickly settled the lawsuit just days after it was filed.
Mr. Crump is continuing to put pressure on Universal, saying that there were warning signs that something could have gone wrong. He said that the ride’s design needs to be reexamined, and accused Universal of trying “to blame the victims.”
Mr. Crump also addressed the lawsuit settlement, saying that the woman warned Universal that the ride could kill someone, but Universal didn’t do anything about it.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch roller coaster that reaches heights of 133 feet and speeds of 62 miles per hour.
Do you think it’s appropriate for Universal to reopen Stardust Racers, or should they wait until all investigations are completed? Do you agree with Mr. Crump that Universal was warned that the roller coaster was dangerous and chose to ignore those warnings? Do you think that Universal needs to make changes to the ride? Is it too dangerous? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.