The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe has been at the center of intense scrutiny ever since its unexpected shutdown in mid-September. The attraction, a dual-launch coaster known for its high speeds and dramatic thrills, was forced to close after a tragic incident involving a guest fatality.
On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was in a wheelchair, tragically passed away after falling unconscious while riding Stardust Racers. Emergency services quickly responded when the coaster returned to the station, but despite their best efforts, Mr. Zavala was pronounced dead due to “multiple blunt impact injuries” as confirmed by the medical examiner’s report.
Related: Epic Universe Quietly Resumes Coaster Work After Tragic Guest Death
The event prompted a flood of questions from both the public and authorities. Universal Orlando quickly shut down the ride, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) began its investigation, inspecting the coaster’s safety systems and procedures.
Meanwhile, law enforcement initiated a manslaughter investigation to determine if the ride’s design or operation was at fault.
Stardust Racers to Reopen After Weeks of Scrutiny
After weeks of evaluation, Universal Orlando has made the decision to reopen Stardust Racers on October 4, 2025. The news comes after an extensive investigation, which Universal maintains has cleared the ride of any mechanical faults.
Related: Epic Universe Coaster Faces Scrutiny After Lawsuit Suddenly Disappears
On October 3, Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin sent a message to team members, informing them of the attraction’s reopening.
Dear Team Members,
As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss. I am very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took place.
As I previously indicated, our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout.
Our extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials, and the State of Florida observed the testing and reviewed the results. In addition, the ride system manufacturer of record and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing and validated our findings. I am thankful for their participation throughout this important process.
Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.
This means we are prepared to reopen Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe on Saturday afternoon, October 4.
In the days ahead, please continue to take care of one another and know that as we continue to process this heartbreaking event, resources are always available should you need additional support.
I am confident we will continue to deliver extraordinary guest experiences that make our Destination so special. Thank you for everything you do every day.
With care and appreciation,
Karen Irwin
President & Chief Operating Officer
Universal Orlando Resort
Despite these assurances, the family of the deceased, represented by renowned attorney Ben Crump, has expressed dissatisfaction with Universal’s response. They are demanding a deeper investigation into whether the coaster’s design could have contributed to Mr. Zavala’s tragic death.
Crump, who has been vocal in his criticism, also pointed to a prior lawsuit filed by a guest who claimed to have been injured on Stardust Racers earlier this year. That case was settled by Universal just days after the lawsuit was filed, raising further concerns about the ride’s safety. The attorney continues to press Universal for a full re-examination of the attraction’s design, accusing the company of ignoring previous warnings.
Despite the controversies, insiders report that Universal is confident in the ride’s safety. Stardust Racers will resume operation with its signature features intact, including thrilling high-speed launches and a track that reaches 133 feet in height. The reopening date has been set for tomorrow afternoon, and Universal has emphasized that the ride has passed all necessary safety checks to ensure it is safe for guests.
As the Stardust Racers ride reopens, what do you think? Should Universal have waited until all investigations were fully complete, or is it safe for the ride to return to operation now? Do you think the ride’s design needs to be re-examined, or are the investigations enough to reassure guests? Let us know in the comments below what you think about the reopening and the ongoing discussion about safety at theme parks.
