On Wednesday night, September 17, 2025, tragedy struck Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe theme park when a guest was found unresponsive after riding the park’s signature Stardust Racers roller coaster. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. Dr. Joshua Stephany, the chief medical examiner for the Orlando area, confirmed an autopsy was conducted. The cause of death was determined to be multiple blunt impact injuries, and the manner of death was ruled an accident.
The entrance to Super Nintendo World at Night – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
Stephany’s statement did not provide details about where the injuries occurred on the body or how exactly they were sustained.
Expert Raises Questions About Autopsy
The findings immediately prompted questions from industry experts. Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, called the autopsy’s conclusion “pretty shocking.” He noted the lack of detail left many questions unanswered.
“Was it the head or the chest? Was he banging around? Was he in his seat properly? Was it an accident caused by the ride or him doing something?” he asked.
Guests gaze in wonder at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Epic Universe at Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
Speigel’s remarks highlight the uncertainty surrounding the tragedy and the critical role of the ongoing investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Universal’s Updated Statement
Universal Orlando Resort has issued multiple statements on the tragedy. In its most recent release, the company said:
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Following the release of the autopsy results, Universal said it could not comment further due to the active investigation.
About Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is marketed as “a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph.” The 5,000-foot track features two racing trains on separate sides — one green, one yellow — that crisscross in an inverted maneuver called the “Celestial Spin.”
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Universal Orlando
Before opening to the public, the ride underwent extensive testing, including 80 consecutive hours of flawless operation. Universal’s safety guidelines warn of sudden acceleration, inversions, and drops, and list restrictions for guests with heart conditions, blood pressure issues, or recent surgeries.
Safety Oversight in Florida
Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, are exempt from state-run ride inspections. Instead, they self-inspect and are required to report any injury or death to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services if it results in at least 24 hours of hospitalization.
The Entrance to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
According to state records, there have already been three reports from Epic Universe since its opening in May:
- In May, a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition experienced dizziness and an “altered state of consciousness” after riding Stardust Racers.
- On a separate day, a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition reported a “visual disturbance” and numbness after the same ride.
- A 32-year-old man experienced chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
In the same reporting period, other Orlando parks filed reports including an 87-year-old woman losing consciousness on Disney’s Dinosaur attraction and a 78-year-old woman becoming unresponsive on a carousel at SeaWorld.
A Sobering Moment for Epic Universe
Epic Universe, which opened in May, is the first traditional theme park to debut in Florida since Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 1999. Its launch added a fourth theme park to the Universal Orlando Resort.
While theme park fatalities remain extremely rare given the tens of millions of visitors each year, the blunt force injuries listed in Zavala’s autopsy raise urgent questions that will need to be addressed by investigators. For Epic Universe, still in its inaugural season, this tragedy casts a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory year.
Night Time Fireworks in Celestial Park and the Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is first and foremost a profound loss for his family and loved ones. As authorities continue their work, the public is left waiting for answers to the most pressing question: how could blunt force injuries occur on a brand-new, state-of-the-art ride that had been cleared for operation just months ago?
That Park Place Reporter Ron E. Bradley Contributed to this report.
May Mr. Zavala rest in peace and may his family endure during this trying time.