On the evening of September 17, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive while riding the much-anticipated Stardust Racers roller coaster. Despite immediate efforts by park staff and off-duty deputies to render aid, Zavala was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The news sent shockwaves through the theme park community and raised pressing questions about ride safety and oversight at one of Florida’s flagship entertainment destinations.
According to statements from Universal Orlando Resorts, Zavala was found unresponsive when the ride came to a stop. Maria Fernandez, a guest who was on the same ride, recounted the harrowing moments to News 6: “When I was on the ride, the travel finishes, and one girl starts to say, ‘Help! Help! Help!’ ...The girl was screaming, and we didn’t understand what happened.” Fernandez described seeing Zavala slumped over, bleeding, and appearing to have a broken leg. “I don’t know if he was dead in that moment, but I think yes,” she added, her words capturing the confusion and distress felt by those on the scene.
The Orange County Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Stephany, performed an autopsy on September 18 and determined that Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.” The official report, cited by USA TODAY and the Associated Press, ruled the manner of death accidental, though it did not specify which parts of the body sustained the injuries. Dr. Stephany’s conclusion left some experts puzzled. Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, told the Associated Press, “Was it the head or the chest? Was he banging around? Was he in his seat properly? Was it an accident caused by the ride or him doing something?” These unanswered questions have only deepened the public’s concern and curiosity.
Universal Orlando Resorts responded swiftly to the tragedy, expressing condolences and pledging full cooperation with authorities. “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement released to multiple outlets, including ABC News and NBC News. “We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation.” The park confirmed that Stardust Racers would remain closed until further notice, as the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services continue their investigations. The department noted that an investigator was on site and that Universal had complied with all required notifications.
The Stardust Racers roller coaster, which debuted with Epic Universe’s grand opening in May 2025, was billed as Universal’s most thrilling coaster to date. The ride features a dual-launch racing format, reaches speeds of up to 62 mph, and soars to a height of 133 feet along a 5,000-foot track. It quickly became one of the park’s most popular attractions, drawing coaster enthusiasts and families alike. Epic Universe itself marked a major milestone for Florida’s tourism industry, being the first traditional theme park to open in the state since Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. The new park boasts five themed sections, a 500-room hotel, and headline attractions such as Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic.
In the wake of Zavala’s death, scrutiny has intensified around the safety protocols at Florida’s largest theme parks. Unlike smaller attractions and fairs, giants like Universal and Walt Disney World are exempt from state safety inspections. Instead, they conduct their own internal inspections and adhere to proprietary safety protocols, though they are required to report any injury or death to the state. The Orlando Sentinel and USA TODAY noted that in the second quarter of 2025 alone, a dozen reports were filed by Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld Orlando, ranging from elderly guests losing consciousness to incidents involving preexisting conditions.
Since Epic Universe opened in May, three other incidents have been reported. In June, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and an “altered state of consciousness” after riding Stardust Racers. On a separate day, a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition suffered a “visual disturbance” and numbness on the same coaster. In May, a 32-year-old man reported chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, another of the park’s attractions. These reports, while not resulting in fatalities, highlight the inherent risks of high-thrill amusement rides, especially for guests with underlying health issues.
The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has prompted a broader conversation about transparency and accountability in the theme park industry. While Universal’s cooperation with investigators has been noted by officials, some observers are calling for a reevaluation of the exemption from state inspections enjoyed by large parks. “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications,” the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services stated, but added that the investigation was ongoing and more information would be released as it became available.
For many in the local community and among the millions of annual visitors to Orlando’s theme parks, the incident is a sobering reminder that even the most meticulously engineered attractions can carry unforeseen risks. The precise circumstances of Zavala’s injuries remain unclear, and until the investigation concludes, speculation continues about whether the ride’s design, operational procedures, or an unforeseeable medical event played a role.
Meanwhile, the park’s vibrant new skyline, once a symbol of innovation and excitement, now stands in partial silence as Stardust Racers remains shuttered. The loss of a guest in such a public and unexpected manner has left an indelible mark on Epic Universe’s early history. As the investigation unfolds, the park’s guests, staff, and the broader theme park industry will be watching closely for answers—and for any changes that might be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For now, Universal’s message to the public is one of empathy and resolve: “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 hope is that, through transparency and a thorough investigation, lessons will be learned and safety will be further strengthened for all who seek thrills and joy at the world’s most celebrated theme parks.
