On the evening of September 17, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, when Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old resident of Kissimmee, was found unresponsive after riding the highly touted Stardust Racers roller coaster. Zavala, who used a wheelchair and reportedly had a preexisting spinal injury, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident has since cast a shadow over the newly opened park and has reignited debates about theme park safety regulations in Florida.
According to the Orlando area’s chief medical examiner, Joshua Stephany, Zavala’s cause of death was determined to be “multiple blunt impact injuries,” and the manner of death was ruled an accident. Stephany’s statement, as reported by multiple outlets including Deadline and News 6, did not specify the exact location or nature of the injuries on Zavala’s body. In his words, “The cause of death is multiple blunt impact injuries. The manner of death is accident.” This official ruling has left many questions unanswered, even as it confirms that Zavala did not fall from the ride, a point clarified by Orange County fire officials and echoed by local news reports.
The Stardust Racers roller coaster, one of Epic Universe’s headline attractions, is a dual-launch, two-train coaster that reaches heights of 133 feet and speeds of up to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h). The ride, which spans 5,000 feet of track and features unique racing maneuvers, has quickly become a favorite among thrill-seekers since the park’s opening in May 2025. However, in the wake of Zavala’s death, the attraction was immediately closed and remains shuttered as investigations continue.
Universal Orlando Resorts released a statement expressing their devastation over the incident: “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.” Universal has also stated that it cannot comment further while the investigation is ongoing.
Zavala’s family, in a message shared on a GoFundMe page, wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved brother, son, uncle, and friend, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who tragically lost his life in an unexpected accident.”
The circumstances surrounding Zavala’s death have prompted scrutiny not only of the ride itself but also of the park’s broader safety protocols. Notably, Universal’s own safety guide for Stardust Racers warns that the attraction is “not for guests with back, neck or similar physical conditions.” This advisory is significant given Zavala’s reported preexisting spinal injury, although it remains unclear whether this condition contributed directly to the accident.
Eyewitness accounts have added further detail to the harrowing scene. Maria Fernandez, a guest who was on the ride at the same time as Zavala, told 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.” She described seeing Zavala slumped over, bleeding, and with what appeared to be a broken leg. “I don’t know if he was dead in that moment, but I think yes,” Fernandez recounted.
This incident marks the third reported safety event at Epic Universe since its opening just four months ago. The other two incidents, including one on the Stardust Racers and another on the Hiccup’s Wing Gliders attraction, involved guests with preexisting conditions experiencing dizziness, visual disturbances, or chest pain. According to records from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a 63-year-old man experienced dizziness and an altered state of consciousness on Stardust Racers in June, while a 47-year-old woman reported a visual disturbance and numbness on the same ride. In May, a 32-year-old man suffered chest pain after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. None of these earlier incidents resulted in fatalities, but together they have raised questions about the safety of Epic Universe’s newest rides and the adequacy of existing safety warnings.
Epic Universe, a $7 billion investment by Universal Orlando Resorts, is the first major traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999. The park boasts five immersive themed areas—Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe—as well as a 500-room hotel. Its opening was widely seen as a bold challenge to Walt Disney World’s long-standing dominance in the region, with the park aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors and boost Florida’s tourism industry.
Yet, the recent fatality has put Universal and Florida’s regulatory framework under the microscope. Under state law, Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Disney, are exempt from routine state safety inspections. Instead, they conduct their own internal ride inspections and follow proprietary safety protocols. They are, however, required to report any significant incidents, such as injuries or deaths, to the state. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed that it is aware of the incident and has an investigator on scene. In a statement to News 6, the agency said, “Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released as it is available.”
The self-regulation model employed by major theme parks in Florida has long been a subject of debate. While supporters argue that it allows for more specialized and frequent inspections by in-house experts, critics contend that it may lack the transparency and accountability of independent state oversight. The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is likely to intensify calls for a reevaluation of these practices, especially as the investigation unfolds and more details emerge.
Universal has not yet announced whether additional safety reviews will be conducted across its other attractions at Epic Universe. For now, the Stardust Racers remains closed, and the park’s management continues to cooperate with local authorities as they seek to understand exactly what went wrong. Meanwhile, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-speed thrill rides and the ongoing need for rigorous safety standards—whether self-imposed or externally mandated.
As the investigation proceeds, the eyes of the theme park industry, regulators, and the public remain fixed on Epic Universe, awaiting answers and, perhaps, changes that could shape the future of amusement park safety in Florida and beyond.
