In the wake of the tragic incident on the Stardust Racers coaster at Epic Universe that claimed the life of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on September 17, 2025, another lawsuit tied to the attraction has already been resolved. Sandi Streets alleged she was permanently injured while riding Stardust Racers months earlier, suffering head and neck trauma during an April preview event.
Streets, who attended Epic Universe as a business guest, rode Stardust Racers on April 30, 2025—just weeks before the park officially opened. Following Rodriguez Zavala’s death, she filed a negligence lawsuit on September 24, 2025, seeking damages of between $50,000 and $75,000.
Settlement From Universal Came Quickly
Just days after filing, Streets reached a settlement with Universal Orlando. The company has not disclosed why it chose to settle or the terms of the agreement, but the claims she raised were significant.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Universal Orlando
Key details of the lawsuit and settlement include:
- The Incident: Streets claimed that while riding Stardust Racers, her “head shook violently and slammed into her seat’s headrest,” resulting in severe headaches and ongoing neck pain. Her attorneys argued that the ride’s lap-only restraints, which left riders’ heads, necks, and torsos unsupported, were “extremely dangerous.”
- Medical Treatment: She sought hospitalization and medical care for persistent pain following the incident, ultimately leading to the Stardust Racers lawsuit.
- Legal Action: Filed on September 24, 2025, Streets sought damages between $50,000 and $75,000.
- Prompt Settlement: Within days of filing, a settlement was reached and the case dismissed.
- Context of Other Incidents: This settlement came just a week after Rodriguez Zavala’s death on the same coaster, an event that prompted his family to retain attorney Ben Crump for a separate case.
Rodriguez Zavala Stardust Racers Death Investigation Continues
Meanwhile, the investigation into Rodriguez Zavala’s death on Stardust Racers is ongoing.
The coaster remains closed indefinitely as representatives from Florida state authorities, Universal Orlando, and Mack Rides (the manufacturer) conduct a full review.
Stardust Racers at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Zavala, 32, was a lifelong theme park enthusiast confined to a wheelchair due to spinal cord atrophy. Despite his disability, he had extensive experience with thrill rides and had never previously experienced medical issues while riding. His family, represented by Benjamin Crump, is demanding answers as to why Stardust Racers proved fatal.
At this point, no lawsuit has been filed, but a full Stardust Racers investigation has been requested.
Future of Stardust Racers at Epic Universe
As the park’s flagship thrill coaster, Stardust Racers was meant to be a marquee attraction. However, with one injury case settled and another fatal incident under investigation, its future is uncertain.
A sign noting that Stardust Racers at Epic Universe is closed – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Will the ride be re-engineered with new safety features? Could it be dismantled and rebuilt entirely? Or will it be replaced altogether? Until official announcements are made, coaster fans and parkgoers can only speculate—and wonder how this controversy might affect Epic Universe’s attendance and long-term reputation.
Are you surprised that Universal settled this Stardust Racers lawsuit so quickly? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
UP NEXT: Bill O’Reilly: Disney Caved to Hollywood Agencies, Not Free Speech Concerns, in Kimmel Return
