When Universal Orlando Resort unveiled Epic Universe in late May, the new theme park was positioned as a major addition to the destination’s lineup. Among its debut attractions was Stardust Racers, a dual-launch roller coaster designed to reach speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour while rising 133 feet above the park. Within months of opening, the attraction became the focus of multiple investigations and legal actions.
One such case centers on Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old guest who visited Epic Universe on September 17 with his girlfriend. According to authorities, Zavala lost consciousness while riding Stardust Racers. Emergency responders were called once the train returned to the station, and Zavala was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Universal Orlando President and COO Karen Irwin addressed employees following the incident, stating that the ride was operating “as intended.” Posted signage at Stardust Racers advises guests with certain medical conditions, including back or neck issues, to avoid the attraction, consistent with safety practices used on many high-speed rides.
Investigations were conducted by both state and local agencies. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reviewed the attraction as part of its oversight responsibilities, while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office opened a manslaughter investigation, which is standard protocol in cases involving non-natural deaths. Authorities examined potential contributing factors and whether any negligence occurred.
The medical examiner later concluded that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. During the investigation, Zavala’s girlfriend disclosed that he had previously suffered a spinal injury and was taking medication at the time of their visit. Officials did not determine whether those details played a role in his death.
In her sworn statement, she recalled that a Universal team member “pushed down on [his] restraint multiple times” before dispatch. She also stated that during the ride she saw Zavala strike his head repeatedly, though she described her recollection as incomplete. Deputies noted that she was emotionally distressed during interviews and experienced panic attacks, which prevented her from completing a written statement.
A medical examiner’s report released recently outlined Zavala’s injuries, including a deep forehead laceration, a fractured ridge above the eye, bleeding above the skull, bruising to the abdomen and arms, and fractures to the nose and right femur. CNN reported these findings as part of its coverage.
Zavala’s family retained attorney Ben Crump, who called on Universal to release ride data, maintenance records, inspection documents, and any available video footage. Crump cited a previous out-of-court settlement involving another Stardust Racers guest who reported injuries and questioned how the attraction’s design concerns were handled. He told Click Orlando that earlier warnings from guests should have prompted closer review.
Earlier in December, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Medical Examiner issued their final reports, determining Zavala’s death was accidental and finding no evidence of criminal conduct. WESH 2 News confirmed the case has been closed. Universal later stated that the matter had been amicably resolved, while Ben Crump Law confirmed the resolution on December 13, noting that its terms remain confidential and that the family requested privacy.
As that chapter closed, another lawsuit emerged. Click Orlando reported that Debbie Reinelt, a North Carolina woman, filed suit alleging she sustained “severe and permanent injuries” after riding Stardust Racers during Epic Universe previews on May 5. Reinelt claims she experienced dizziness, nausea, and headaches and required medical care, alleging that her head was “violently shaken” on the ride.
The lawsuit does not reference Zavala’s death. However, News 6 reported that social media posts from a woman sharing Reinelt’s name and county show her smiling at Epic Universe on the same evening. Photos include captions such as “Very good day full of roller coasters,” with no mention of injury. Additional posts document visits to other Universal parks in the days that followed, again without references to medical concerns. While it has not been independently verified that the account belongs to the plaintiff, the overlap has drawn attention.
Though official investigations into Zavala’s death have ended, Stardust Racers remains part of a broader conversation within the theme park community about ride design, restraint systems, health disclosures, and guest responsibility when choosing high-thrill experiences.
