A 32-year-old man died from multiple blunt impact injuries after riding Universal’s newest high-speed roller coaster, raising alarming questions about corporate safety standards and regulatory oversight at America’s premier theme parks.
Story Highlights
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died from blunt impact trauma after riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe
- The 62 mph roller coaster remains closed indefinitely pending investigation by Orange County authorities
- Death ruled accidental, but circumstances leading to blunt force injuries remain unexplained
- Universal faces potential liability and reputational damage less than five months after park opening
Fatal Incident Shocks New Theme Park
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. Emergency responders transported the 32-year-old to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Orange County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries, marking an extremely rare fatality type for modern roller coasters.
High-Speed Attraction Under Scrutiny
Stardust Racers opened in May 2025 as Epic Universe’s flagship attraction, featuring dual racing tracks reaching speeds of 62 mph across 5,000 feet. The ride represented Universal’s latest technological advancement in thrill attractions, marketed as a state-of-the-art experience. No previous safety incidents had been reported since the park’s opening, making this tragedy particularly shocking for the theme park industry.
Investigation Raises Serious Safety Questions
Orange County Sheriff’s Office launched a comprehensive investigation while Universal immediately closed the attraction indefinitely. Deaths from blunt impact injuries on modern roller coasters are extraordinarily rare, typically occurring only during mechanical failures or extreme circumstances. The specific cause of Zavala’s injuries remains undetermined, creating uncertainty about ride safety protocols and equipment functionality that should concern every American family planning theme park visits.
Corporate Response and Industry Implications
Universal Orlando issued standard corporate statements expressing condolences and promising full cooperation with authorities. However, the company faces potential massive liability exposure and reputation damage that could affect attendance and revenue. This incident may trigger industry-wide safety reviews and stricter regulatory oversight, potentially increasing operational costs across all major theme parks while highlighting the need for transparent safety standards.
The investigation continues with no timeline for ride reopening, leaving families questioning whether current safety regulations adequately protect American consumers from corporate negligence. This tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety enforcement and corporate accountability in protecting citizens from preventable harm at entertainment venues.
Sources:
Universal Epic Universe guest dies after riding Stardust Racers roller coaster
Epic Universe Universal Orlando Stardust Racers death cause
