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Credit: Jeremy Thompson, FlickrUniversal Orlando Resort is facing another lawsuit regarding injuries obtained on Stardust Racers, a roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe. The attraction was closed for 17 days following the death of a rider on September 17, 2025, and the Central Florida theme park eventually faced a lawsuit from the family of the deceased guest.
Infamous Stardust Racers Lawsuit
Universal Orlando Resort has faced several lawsuits following injuries on Stardust Racer, alleging negligence in the ride’s design, maintenance, operation, and control. But the most infamous legal case followed a tragic death on the Celestial Park attraction just months after the grand opening of Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025.
On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unconscious after a ride on Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe. The medical examiner determined that the Universal Park guest died from “multiple blunt impact injuries,” but the final report determined that no criminal acts played a role in his death. Zavala used a wheelchair as a result of a spinal injury, but was described as a roller coaster buff who had enjoyed countless thrill rides without issue.
Zavala’s family retained legal counsel and filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort, which was settled under confidential terms in December 2025. Following the incident, Universal updated the safety requirements for Stardust Racers and several other thrill rides, requiring guests using mobility devices to walk independently to board the vehicles rather than requiring assistance for transfers.
Another Lawsuit Against Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides, who designed and created Stardust Racers for Universal Epic Universe, are facing a new lawsuit from a plaintiff claiming that her minor son lost consciousness and suffered injuries on the now infamous roller coaster. The boy rode Stardust Racers on October 13, 2025, just nine days after the Celestial Park attraction reopened following Zavala’s death.
On August 17, 2026, Jennifer Lundy submitted a complaint claiming that her minor son, referred to as “L.L.” in the legal filing, had no head, neck, or upper body restraint or support after falling unconscious due to forces generated during a ride on Stardust Racers. Lundy claims that, due to the lack of support, L.L. suffered injuries to his head and face, as well as orthopedic and spinal injuries, requiring medical assistance as soon as he exited the ride. The mother called her son’s injuries “severe and permanent.”
Lundy is asking Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides to cover her son’s medical care and treatment, seeking more than $50,000 in damages from the Central Florida theme park and the company responsible for the development of Stardust Racers. She claims Universal Parks & Resorts owed it to her family and others to “operate and control” the roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in a “reasonably safe condition” and to notify guests when an attraction is not safe for riders.
The plaintiff’s case moved to federal court on September 18.
Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides have not commented publicly on the lawsuit. Stardust Racers remains open at Universal Epic Universe, with the updated safety requirements added after Zavala’s death.
Should Universal Orlando Resort close or modify Stardust Racers? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments.
