A 32-year-old man died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after becoming unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. Authorities have identified the man as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. The incident is currently under investigation by local law enforcement and state officials.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe.
- The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental due to "multiple blunt force injuries."
- First responders found Zavala unresponsive with a laceration on the ride platform.
- Zavala had a spinal injury and used a wheelchair, according to his girlfriend.
- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is investigating the incident.
Incident at Universal Epic Universe
The Orange County Sheriff's Office provided additional details regarding the death on Friday, September 19, 2025. This information included a partially redacted incident report and two audio files related to the emergency response. The incident occurred at Universal Epic Universe, a new theme park in Orlando.
Deputies responded to a medical emergency at the park around 9:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Upon arrival, they found medical personnel performing CPR on Mr. Zavala. He was located on the platform next to the Stardust Racers ride tracks.
Key Facts
- Date of Incident: September 17, 2025
- Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32
- Location: Stardust Racers rollercoaster, Universal Epic Universe, Orlando, Florida
- Cause of Death: Multiple blunt force injuries (ruled accidental)
Medical Response and Investigation
An audio recording from Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR), released with the incident report, indicated that Mr. Zavala was unresponsive and not breathing. The report also noted that he had a laceration. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:05 p.m.
The Orange County Medical Examiner's office determined the cause of death to be "multiple blunt force injuries." His death was ruled accidental. However, specific details about these injuries have not been publicly released.
The sheriff's office confirmed that no 911 calls were received for this incident. Theme parks often have policies restricting phones and loose items on certain rides. This can lead to internal communication systems being used for emergencies rather than public 911 services.
About Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch rollercoaster located in Celestial Park, a section of Universal Epic Universe. The ride reaches speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and climbs to heights of 133 feet. It features approximately 5,000 feet of track. Universal Epic Universe officially opened on May 22, 2025.
Details from Witness Account
Mr. Zavala was at Universal Epic Universe with his girlfriend of 10 years. She was reportedly very distressed at the scene and experienced panic attacks. She was unable to provide a written statement to law enforcement at the time.
She informed deputies that Mr. Zavala used a wheelchair and had a spinal injury. She also mentioned he was taking certain medications, though this detail was redacted in the public report. She was also taken to the hospital by a deputy for medical attention.
“The deputy reported that he saw people with Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFR) and Universal Orlando Health Services performing CPR on a man, later identified as Zavala, who was on the platform directly parallel to the ride tracks for Stardust Racers.”
Ride Safety and Park Guidelines
Universal Orlando Resort's Guide for Safety and Accessibility outlines requirements and warnings for its attractions. This guide was last updated in April. For Stardust Racers, guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
Warning signs are placed at the entrance of each attraction. These signs help guests determine if a ride is suitable for their abilities and health conditions. Warnings typically cover guests with heart conditions, abnormal blood pressure, or who are expectant mothers. Other specific health conditions may also be listed.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sent an inspector to Universal Epic Universe on Friday. This inspector is part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of Mr. Zavala's death. The sheriff's office stated that further information will likely not be released while the investigation is active.
Ongoing Investigations
Both local law enforcement and state agencies are involved in understanding the circumstances of this incident. The Orange County Sheriff's Office is conducting its investigation, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is also looking into the ride's operation and safety protocols. These investigations aim to determine what led to Mr. Zavala's death.
The theme park industry places a high emphasis on safety. Incidents like this are thoroughly reviewed to ensure all safety measures are properly implemented and followed. The findings from these investigations are crucial for public understanding and for informing future safety practices within amusement parks.
