A new message from Universal sent to Team Members claims that Stardust Racers at Epic Universe functioned as intended, and the ride system was not the cause of the tragic accident that resulted in a guest’s death earlier this week.
Guest Passes Away After Riding Stardust Racers
As we first reported on September 18, a tragic incident took place at Epic Universe on the night of September 17, 2025. Local Orlando news outlets reported that a guest passed away shortly after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster, which was later confirmed by Universal in a statement.
The original Universal statement only confirmed that a male guest “became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died.”
Following the initial reports, the guest was identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.
An autopsy was performed on Thursday morning, after which Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties, stated that the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
Local news outlet WFTV 9 has shared more information from the official incident report about Zavala and shared a short clip of the dispatch audio from the night of the incident.
The incident report revealed that CPR was performed on the unresponsive Zavala on the platform directly next to Stardust Racers prior to the arrival of firefighters and Universal Orlando Health Services.
WFTV 9 confirms that “Zavala was pronounced dead right at the hospital after 10 p.m.” The report also notes that Zavala had a spinal injury prior to riding Stardust Racers “that required him to be in a wheelchair.”
Universal Statement
In the latest addition to this story, Universal has now sent out a message to Team Members. In the message, Universal notes that this is still an “ongoing investigation.” However, they also claim that so far, based on their internal investigation, Stardust Racers functioned as intended:
Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures. The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.
The communication also expresses gratitude to Team Members during this difficult time and reiterates support for Zavala’s family, “Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.”
Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is a dual launched coaster manufactured by Mack Rides. Both sides have 5,000 feet of track and a maximum height of 133 feet. It reaches 62 mph. The height requirement is 48 inches.
After rumors that trim brakes were added to the rollercoaster during testing, Universal began warning guests that their shoes must be worn at all times. Stardust Racers is also adding modified seats to accommodate larger guests.
While the incident is still under investigation, Stardust Racers has remained closed since the night of September 17.
GoFund Me
A GoFund Me has been set up for Kevin, and his family is kindly asking for support to cover funeral and memorial expenses. His family says,
Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul—wise beyond his years—with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding. He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own. Despite the restrictions and obstacles he encountered throughout his life, Kevin met them all with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit. He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.
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