A 32-year-old man passed away Wednesday evening after losing consciousness on the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, authorities confirmed.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was discovered unresponsive on the ride around 9:20 p.m. on September 17, 2025, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Off-duty deputies addressed a medical emergency call at the theme park and found Zavala on the platform next to the ride tracks, where Orange County Fire Rescue and Universal Orlando Health Services were performing CPR.
Radio communications released by the sheriff’s office show that authorities were alerted to a patient with a laceration who was unresponsive. In the calls, an officer was heard saying, “I’m being advised it’s not looking good.” Zavala was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was declared dead at 10:05 p.m.
Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany determined Thursday that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. The death was ruled accidental. Officials clarified that Zavala did not fall from the ride during the incident.
An incident report revealed that Zavala had a preexisting spinal injury and used a wheelchair, according to his girlfriend of 10 years, who was with him at the park. She informed law enforcement that Zavala was on medication for his condition. Universal Orlando’s safety guide notes that Stardust Racers is not suitable for guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions.
Maria Fernandez, a fellow guest on one of the dueling racers at the same time as Zavala, recounted seeing a woman calling for help when the ride came to an end. Fernandez described Zavala as appearing slumped over and bleeding, with an apparently broken leg. She told reporters that when security began directing riders off the rollercoaster, she believed Zavala may have already been deceased.
Tommy Italiano, who was waiting to board the ride when the incident occurred, described the scene to local media. He indicated that families were separated and without phones to contact each other, leading to what he described as chaos, with people yelling, screaming, and crying.
Universal Orlando Resort issued a statement expressing sorrow over the event and extending sympathies to Zavala’s loved ones. The company confirmed it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation conducted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Stardust Racers, which opened in May along with the rest of Epic Universe, is a dual-launch racing coaster that reaches speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. The attraction has been described as Universal’s most thrilling coaster experience and remains closed while the investigation continues.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has sent an inspector to Epic Universe to investigate what led to Zavala’s death. This marks the first fatality at the new theme park since its opening.
Previous incident reports show that Stardust Racers had two minor incidents reported to the state as of July 15. On June 22, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness, and two days later, a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition reported a visual disturbance and numbness while riding the same attraction.
Epic Universe is Universal’s fourth theme park in Florida and the first major traditional theme park to open in the state since Universal Islands of Adventure debuted in 1999. The park features five themed sections, 11 different rides, and a 500-room hotel.
Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Walt Disney World, are exempt from state safety inspections, unlike smaller venues and fairs. Instead, these major parks conduct their own inspections and follow their own protocols, but must report any injuries or deaths to state authorities.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated on Friday that, while significant interest in this case is understood, additional information will likely not be released while the investigation remains active.
