As the investigation into a man’s death after riding Stardust racers at Epic Universe continues, the threat of a new lawsuit against Universal looms in the distance.
The family of Kevin Rodríguez Zavala, the 32-year-old man who was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and later pronounced dead at the hospital, has retained legal counsel and is demanding answers.
Concept art of Stardust Racers in Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe
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Attorney Ben Crump, retained by the family, is calling for full transparency from Universal. Crump’s firm, Ben Crump Law, issued a statement demanding a thorough investigation into the tragic incident, which the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner determined resulted from “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
The family is specifically requesting the release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage. Their goal is to understand the circumstances surrounding Rodríguez Zavala’s death and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Who is Ben Crump?
Ben Crump is no stranger to high-profile cases, or to Florida. A graduate of Florida State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and law degrees, Crump is a nationally recognized civil rights and personal injury attorney.
He has represented families in some of the most high-profile cases of police brutality and racial injustice in recent history, including those of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Kevin’s Family’s Demands
Rodríguez Zavala’s family turned to Crump after the medical examiner ruled the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries” and the manner of death as accidental.
Crump’s team says their independent investigation suggests that Rodríguez Zavala suffered repeated head injuries during the ride and was unconscious for much of it, citing witness accounts. Several witnesses reported seeing him covered in blood and slumped over in his seat when the ride ended.
The Entrance to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
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Rodríguez Zavala did have a pre-existing spinal injury that required him to use a wheelchair and take medication. However, his family emphasizes that he was an experienced theme park visitor with no medical restrictions that should have prevented him from riding Stardust Racers. Universal has stated that the ride was operating normally and that team members were performing their duties correctly at the time of the incident.
So far, state investigators have agreed with those findings, though the investigation remains ongoing.
A New Lawsuit Over Stardust Racers Emerges
In a completely separate incident on the same attraction, Stardust Racers, a new injury lawsuit has been filed against Universal.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025—just one week after Rodríguez Zavala’s death—Sandi Streets (represented by attorney Nicholas Spetsas) filed a lawsuit in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which serves Osceola County.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Universal Orlando
According to the complaint, Streets visited Epic Universe on April 30, 2025, as an invited business guest. While riding Stardust Racers, she alleges her “head shook violently and slammed into her seat’s headrest,” causing permanent injuries.
The suit accuses Universal of one count of negligence, citing the ride’s lack of head restraints despite its high-speed twists, turns, drops, and flips. Streets is seeking at least $50,000 in damages and has requested a jury trial.
A test seat for Stardust Racers in Universal’s Epic Universe – Universal Orlando App
The filing states: “While riding Defendant’s Stardust Racers roller coaster, Plaintiff’s head shook violently and slammed into her seat’s headrest throughout the duration of the ride. As a direct and proximate result, Defendant’s Stardust Racers roller coaster caused Plaintiff to sustain permanent injuries.”
A Bad Outlook for the Brand-New Epic Universe
Stardust Racers, one of the flagship attractions of the newly opened Epic Universe, remains closed during the ongoing investigations and may stay that way for the foreseeable future.
With one incident resulting in a death and another sparking a lawsuit over alleged permanent injuries, the ride—and by extension the park—faces intense scrutiny.
Night Time Fireworks in Celestial Park and the Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
Epic Universe was designed to showcase cutting-edge engineering, theming, and guest experiences. But these incidents raise questions about safety protocols and Universal’s ability to keep guests protected at all times. If confidence in guest safety is shaken, Universal could face declines in attendance and revenue at its newest park.
The outcome of these investigations—and any resulting legal action—will likely determine whether the company can restore public trust in both Stardust Racers and the Universal Orlando Resort as a whole.
Do you think Universal will lose this looming lawsuit? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
