Universal Orlando Resort is facing a negligence lawsuit from a woman who claims she sustained permanent injuries on a roller coaster at its new Epic Universe theme park. The legal action was filed just one week after a man died following an incident on the same attraction.
Key Takeaways
- Sandi Streets has filed a negligence lawsuit against Universal Orlando, alleging injuries from the Stardust Racers roller coaster.
- The lawsuit claims the ride caused her head to strike the headrest violently, resulting in permanent harm.
- The legal action follows the recent death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who also rode the same coaster.
- Universal has stated its internal review of the fatal incident found the ride systems functioned normally.
Details of the Negligence Lawsuit
Sandi Streets filed a negligence lawsuit in an Orlando state court, according to public records. The lawsuit centers on an experience she had on the Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster at the recently opened Epic Universe theme park.
Streets attended a preview event for the park before its official public opening in May 2025. During her ride on the coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 62 mph (100 kph), she alleges her head was shaken violently. The lawsuit states her head repeatedly slammed against the seat's headrest.
The legal filing claims this resulted in permanent injuries. It specifies that Streets has since experienced disability, incurred significant medical expenses, lost her ability to work, and suffered an aggravation of a pre-existing medical condition.
Allegations Against the Theme Park
The core of the lawsuit is the claim that Universal Orlando was negligent. Streets' complaint argues that the roller coaster's design failed to provide adequate head restraint for riders. It also alleges that the theme park did not sufficiently warn guests about what it calls the "unsafe and unreasonably dangerous condition" of the attraction.
Nicholas Spetsas, the attorney representing Streets, has been contacted for more specific details regarding her injuries but has not yet provided a response.
About Epic Universe
Epic Universe is Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, which officially opened to the public in May 2025. The park was highly anticipated and features several new attractions, including the Stardust Racers roller coaster, which is a central part of its Celestial Park area.
Separate Incident Involving a Fatality
The lawsuit from Sandi Streets comes at a difficult time for Universal Orlando, as it was filed just days after a fatal incident occurred on the same roller coaster. On September 20, 2025, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the Stardust Racers.
The medical examiner for the Orlando area conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death was multiple blunt impact injuries. The manner of death was officially ruled an accident.
Zavala had a spinal disability from birth and used a wheelchair. His family's legal team held a news conference stating that his disability was not the cause of his death. They have not yet filed a lawsuit but have indicated they are seeking more information about the circumstances of the incident.
Official Investigation Status
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which is responsible for inspecting theme park rides in the state, has launched an investigation into the Zavala incident. Initial findings released by the department stated that their review aligns with Universal's internal assessment.
Universal Orlando's Response
Following the death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, Universal Orlando Resort President Karen Irwin issued a statement to employees. In the note, she addressed the park's internal investigation into the tragic event.
"Internal findings showed ride systems functioned normally, equipment was intact and Universal workers followed the proper procedures."
Universal's position is that the ride was operating as designed at the time of the incident. The company has not yet issued a public comment regarding the new lawsuit filed by Sandi Streets.
Ongoing Scrutiny
The two separate incidents involving the same high-speed attraction have placed the Stardust Racers roller coaster under intense scrutiny. While the park maintains that its equipment and procedures were sound during the fatal incident, the new lawsuit from Streets raises additional questions about the ride's safety and design.
The outcomes of both the state investigation into Zavala's death and the progression of Streets' civil lawsuit will be closely watched by theme park industry experts and the public. These events highlight the significant safety and liability challenges associated with high-speed amusement park attractions.
