The Epic Universe death of a 32-year-old man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, has shaken up Universal Studios Orlando and cast doubts on the ride safety in the recently opened theme park. Zavala lost consciousness when he was riding in the Stardust Racers roller coaster and was later declared dead in a nearby hospital.

On Thursday, it was confirmed by the officials that the cause of death was several blunt impact injuries and the Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner declared it to be an accident. The accident has resulted in the permanent closure of one of the most popular rides at Epic Universe.

Epic Universe Death: What Happened on the Ride?

Zavala was on Wednesday night with his girlfriend at Epic Universe in Universal Studios Orlando. Once he was on the Stardust Racers dueling coaster in Celestial Park, he lost his responsiveness during the ride. It was mistakenly announced that the coaster went back to the station and the staff shouted to riders to leave as soon as it was possible.

One of the guests remembered that Zavala sat ducked and insensitive in his chair. Rescue units were rushed to the spot and he was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Universal wrote, "We are saddened by this incident and offer the deepest condolences to the loved ones of the guest.”

Details of the Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala

On Thursday, deputies identified the victim, who was Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. His family said that he was a young man who went to the park to have fun with his girlfriend. Naturally heartbroken, they declined to participate in media interviews.

His death in the Epic Universe did not only stagger his people but also left other visitors at the park in shock upon witnessing how the emergency happened.

Understanding the Stardust Racers Roller Coaster

One of the most expected rides that was to be introduced at the new park was the Stardust Racers Epic Universe ride. It is a two-track roller coaster propelling travelers up to 62 mph across a 5,000-foot track with a 133-foot elevation. The ride features a trademark inverted crisscross, which is named the Celestial Spin.

Universal calls the ride a space-based thriller race through the universe, but with the death of the stardust racers, the ride is permanently closed.

Past Incidents on Stardust Racers

This is not the first time there have been reports of incidents on this ride. In June 2025, Universal submitted state-mandated reports that had two medical incidents:

• A 63-year-old male patient reported dizziness, as well as a change in consciousness.
• A 47-year-old female complained of visual disturbance and numbness.

They both were blamed on pre-existing disorders. Nevertheless, the recent Epic Universe stardust racers' death has added to significant scrutiny.

Universal Studios Orlando’s Response

Universal has also committed to cooperating with investigators such as the Department of Agriculture and the Orange County Sheriff's Office of Florida. In its statement, the company expressed its deep sorrow and reaffirmed its commitment to guest safety.

The issue with the death of the man on the roller coaster The Epic Universe incident happened only four months ago, following the grand opening of the park. The tragedy is particularly paramount since Epic Universe is the first traditional theme park opened in Florida since 1999.

Epic Universe's Death and Ride Safety Concerns

The largest theme parks in Florida, such as the Universals and the Disney, do not receive state inspections. They instead self-regulate and have to report incidences every quarter.

Universal has had 10 injuries, two of them on Stardust Racers, since January. Although the underlining causes of theme park accidents are usually the underlying health factors, the horror of a roller coaster over the death of the healthy 32-year-old casts more questions on the overall safety of theme parks.

Impact on Epic Universe’s Reputation

The death of the man in the Epic Universe tragedy has spoiled the otherwise triumphant opening of the park. The already immersive worlds and high-tech attractions of Epic Universe were an announcement of the new world of the eco-friendly Kingdom, and this loss will inevitably impact the image among the population.

An opinion of theme park safety talents claims thrill rides to be statistically safe; however, just one Stardust Racers Epic Universe death will damage the credibility of the visitors.

Witness Accounts of the Tragedy

Visitors pointed to scenes of calamity when the coaster came back with Zavala unresponsive. One biker stated that there was a commotion among the attendants, who were telling everyone to leave, and a doctor thrust into the queue tried to offer assistance.

Another rider, Maria Fernandez, who was also riding nearby, recollected that the screaming girl was asking to be helped. “We found him bleeding and slumped when the ride stopped.”

 She attests to the true extent of the situation as well as why the Epic Universe death was immediately national news.

Universal’s Future Safety Measures

After the Stardust Racers' death in the Epic Universe tragedy, analysts believe that Universal will take additional precautionary measures. Such may consist of more rigid rider health warnings, restraint increases, or a transition to design checks.

Although investigations are ongoing, the attraction remains closed, and visitors have either received refunds or been redirected to other experiences in the parks.

Conclusion

Kevin Rodriguez Zavalla Epic Universe's death has plunged Universal Studios Orlando into its first significant tragedy since the inauguration of the park. As the investigations continue, the question of the safety of thrill rides and the self-regulation mechanism of the largest theme parks in Florida is raising a lot of questions.

The shutdown of Stardust Racers is a sad episode in Epic Universe history when we are reminded about the danger behind the grandest theme park events.

FAQs

1. What caused the Epic Universe death?

There were several blunt impact findings that were found to be accidental, as confirmed by autopsy.

2. What was the identity of the victim in the Stardust Racers incident?

The victim was 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.

3. Is Stardust Racers closed in Epic Universe?

Yes, after the incident, the roller coaster is permanently shut down.

4. What is the speed rating of the Stardust Racers roller coaster?

 It goes as high as 62 mph and attains a 5,000-foot track.

5. How did Epic Universe enter the market?

 The park opened on the 22nd of May, 2025.