The fallout from the September 17, 2025, death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is only intensifying. On September 30th, nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump held a press conference where he revealed that several more riders have come forward with disturbing new claims of injuries on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe.
Crump said the new reports echo the allegations of Sandi Streets, who claimed earlier this year that the ride left her with permanent head and neck trauma. According to Crump, witnesses and riders are now describing similar problems—violent ride motion, faulty restraints, and physical impacts that go beyond what should be expected on a thrill ride.
The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe in Universal Orlando – Photo Credit: That Park Place
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One woman, in a statement shared through a GoFundMe fundraiser, said she lost consciousness on the coaster in May and sustained spinal injuries. Others claim they were violently thrown against the ride’s restraints or even experienced restraint malfunctions during the course of the ride. Crump pointed to these testimonies as proof that Zavala’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of ongoing safety issues.
Crump Blasts Universal’s Oversight
Crump was highly critical of Universal’s handling of earlier complaints. He argued that if the company had taken the warnings seriously, safety improvements could have been made long before Zavala’s death.
“These injuries were red flags,” Crump said, calling Universal’s response inadequate. He also took aim at Florida’s regulatory system.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Universal Orlando
Major theme parks like Universal and Disney are exempt from the state’s routine ride inspections, instead required only to self-report incidents. Crump argued that this self-policing model leaves guests vulnerable and called for stricter external oversight. As part of his legal team’s demands, Crump has requested ride video footage, maintenance logs, and inspection records. So far, Universal has not complied.
He insists the ride should remain closed until independent investigators gain access to those materials.
“Not an Isolated Incident”
Crump framed Zavala’s death as preventable.
“Had Universal taken action on these earlier reports, we might not be here today,” he said.
A sign noting that Stardust Racers at Epic Universe is closed – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The medical examiner ruled Zavala’s death accidental, caused by multiple blunt-force injuries, while state inspectors concluded the ride was operating “as intended,” with no evidence of mechanical failure. Crump countered that technical functionality doesn’t necessarily mean the design is safe. A ride, he said, can run exactly as built and still put guests at unreasonable risk.
Fans Push Back: “Reopen Stardust Racers”
While Crump has demanded the coaster remain closed, a vocal segment of coaster enthusiasts is calling for the opposite. On social media, many fans argue that Stardust Racers should reopen immediately, despite the ongoing investigation.
A post on X advocating for reopening Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – X, @Themeparktalker
ThemeParkTalker on X posted: “Been so pro-investigation on Stardust Racers, but we’re at the point where the family is being selfish requesting the ride stay closed… you can’t bring someone back. It’s a horribly sad tragic accident. I donated. But millions of riders, 1 incident. Ride & team functioned normal.”
Do these Epic Universe parents know that they are causing a bad experience for thousands and thousands of people who can’t ride Stardust Racers now. All because they are looking for a money grab and failing to admit their son should have never rode that ride with his disability.
— Onika (@Miz_NickiMinaj) October 1, 2025
Another user, Onica, echoed that frustration, writing: “Do these Epic Universe parents know they are causing a bad experience for thousands who can’t ride Stardust Racers now? All because they are looking for a money grab and failing to admit their son should have never ridden with his disability.”
Universal has chosen to keep the ride closed while quietly settling Sandi Streets’ injury claim for an undisclosed amount.
The Ride’s Uncertain Future
At this point, no lawsuit has been filed by Zavala’s family over this Stardust Racers death, though Crump has made it clear that all legal options remain on the table.
For now, Epic Universe attendance hasn’t noticeably declined, but the controversy surrounding Stardust Racers continues to grow. Fans and critics alike are waiting to see whether Universal keeps the ride closed permanently, makes modifications, or reopens it once investigators clear it.
Concept art of Stardust Racers in Celestial Park at Universal’s Epic Universe
Crump, however, is adamant: Stardust Racers should stay shuttered until safety reforms are implemented.
Whether the coaster reopens—or becomes Epic Universe’s first major closure—will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation. One thing is certain: the clash between grieving families demanding accountability and fans demanding thrills could define not only the future of Stardust Racers but also how theme park safety is regulated in Florida for years to come.
What’s your opinion on this Stardust Racers death? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
Crump was the George Floyd family’s attorney and also the attorney in the Bryanna Taylor case. He’s a FAMOUS ambulance-chasing self-promoting attorney who wrote a book suggesting strongly that white people in general are out to commit “genocide” (HIS words) on all blacks and colored people. He’s about HIMSELF. I take anything he says with enough salt to make the lagoons at Universal salinated.