Universal Orlando Resort officials have stated that the Stardust Racers roller coaster functioned as intended during an incident on Wednesday, September 18, 2025, where a guest was found unresponsive and later died. The park's president, Karen Irwin, communicated these findings in a letter to employees. The attraction remains closed while a comprehensive review is conducted.
Key Takeaways
- Universal Orlando Resort states Stardust Racers ride systems functioned properly.
- Equipment was intact at the start, during, and end of the ride.
- Team members followed all established procedures.
- The 32-year-old guest, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died from blunt impact injuries.
- The ride is temporarily closed for a full review with the manufacturer.
Investigation into Stardust Racers Incident
Universal Orlando Resort has initiated a detailed review following the death of a guest on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 18, 2025. Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin addressed park employees directly in a letter.
According to the letter, internal assessments indicate that the ride's mechanical and operational systems performed correctly. "Our hearts are with our Guest's family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by the tragic loss," Irwin stated.
Incident Details
- Date of Incident: Wednesday, September 18, 2025
- Guest Name: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
- Age: 32 years old
- Cause of Death: Multiple blunt impact injuries (Medical Examiner)
- Ride Status: Closed for comprehensive review
Ride Systems and Procedures
The letter from President Irwin emphasized that the ride's equipment was found to be intact. This condition was observed at the start of the ride, throughout its duration, and upon the vehicle's return to the station. This information comes from initial internal findings.
Furthermore, Universal Orlando stated that its team members followed all established operational procedures. This suggests that the park's staff adhered to training protocols during the incident.
"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," Karen Irwin, President & COO of Universal Orlando Resort, wrote in her letter to employees.
Guest Fatality and Medical Examiner's Report
The guest involved in the incident was identified as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. He was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. Emergency personnel responded, and he was transported to a local hospital.
Tragically, Mr. Zavala was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Medical Examiner's office later confirmed the cause of death. The official ruling was accidental, attributed to multiple blunt impact injuries.
Ongoing Investigation
Universal Orlando Resort has informed its team members that the investigation into this incident is still active. The park is collaborating with the ride manufacturer to conduct a thorough and comprehensive review process. This collaboration is standard practice for major attraction incidents.
The Stardust Racers roller coaster remains closed to guests. There is no announced timeline for its reopening as the review continues.
Community Response and Support
The news of Mr. Zavala's death has affected many. A GoFundMe page has been established to support his family during this difficult time. Community members and well-wishers have contributed to help with expenses and provide assistance.
Local news outlets, including WESH 2, were among the first to report on the incident. They have continued to provide updates as more information becomes available. The focus remains on factual reporting as the investigation progresses.
The Stardust Racers Roller Coaster
The Stardust Racers roller coaster is an attraction at Universal Orlando Resort. Like all new attractions, it undergoes extensive testing and safety checks before opening to the public. Theme park safety is a critical concern for operators and regulatory bodies.
Incidents on theme park rides, while rare, prompt detailed investigations to determine contributing factors and ensure future safety. These reviews often involve park officials, ride manufacturers, and sometimes state authorities.
Safety Protocols
- Regular maintenance checks are performed on all attractions.
- Ride operators receive extensive training on safety procedures.
- Emergency response plans are in place for incidents.
- State agencies often oversee amusement park safety regulations.
Next Steps for Universal Orlando
The comprehensive review process will likely examine various aspects of the ride's operation. This could include mechanical components, sensor readings, guest restraint systems, and operator actions. The collaboration with the ride manufacturer is key to understanding complex ride systems.
The park's decision to keep the ride closed highlights the serious nature of the incident and the commitment to a complete investigation. Universal Orlando Resort has stated it will provide further updates as the review concludes.
The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks, however small, associated with high-speed amusement park attractions. Operators prioritize safety through rigorous design, maintenance, and operational protocols.
