A Night of Thrills Turns Fatal at Celestial Park
Universal’s Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park, is reeling after a tragic incident on the
Stardust Racers roller coaster left one guest dead and raised urgent questions about ride safety. On Wednesday night, 32-year-old
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the high-speed launch coaster, which has quickly become a centerpiece attraction at the park’s Celestial Park area.
Cause of Death: Medical Examiner’s Findings
According to the medical examiner’s report released Thursday, Zavala died from
multiple blunt impact injuries sustained during the ride. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Zavala became unresponsive immediately after riding Stardust Racers, which features two intertwining tracks and reaches speeds up to 62 mph. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials have ruled the death
accidental, but the investigation remains ongoing as authorities and Universal Studios work to determine exactly what happened during Zavala’s ride.
Stardust Racers: The Ride Under Scrutiny
Stardust Racers, billed as a “dueling launch coaster,” has been a major draw since Epic Universe opened earlier this year. The ride’s design allows two trains to race and weave around each other, creating a thrilling experience for guests. However, following the incident, Universal has
closed the ride indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.
Universal Studios has stated it is “cooperating fully” with investigators and expressed condolences to Zavala’s family. The company has not released further details about possible mechanical issues or safety lapses, but the closure of Stardust Racers signals a serious review of the ride’s operation and safety protocols.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The news has sent shockwaves through Orlando’s tourism community, with many visitors and locals expressing concern over theme park safety. Epic Universe, which opened to much fanfare, now faces scrutiny from both regulators and the public.
Theme park safety experts note that while roller coaster deaths are extremely rare, incidents like this highlight the importance of rigorous inspections and transparent reporting. “Every ride is designed with multiple layers of safety, but accidents can still happen,” said one industry analyst. “It’s critical that parks respond quickly and transparently when tragedy strikes.”
What’s Next for Epic Universe?
As the investigation continues, Universal Studios will likely face tough questions about its safety procedures and ride maintenance. The closure of Stardust Racers is a stark reminder that even the most advanced attractions carry risks.
For now, guests are advised to check the Universal Studios app for updates on ride availability and safety notices. The park remains open, but the shadow of Wednesday’s tragedy will linger as officials work to ensure such an incident never happens again.
Sources
1. Cause of death released for man found unresponsive on roller ...
2. FOX 5 DC | Local News, Weather, and Live Streams | WTTG
3. Florida rider dies of ‘multiple blunt injuries’ on Epic Universe roller coaster. What we know
