‘Amicable resolution’ reached in Stardust Racers incident after guest’s death following ride on Epic Universe coaster
The family of the guest who died following his ride on Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe has reached an “amicable resolution” with Universal Orlando.
Photo by Seth Kubersky
On Sept. 17, 2025, a guest named Kevin Zavala Rodriguez died following his ride on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Universal immediately closed the roller coaster. After a review involving local officials, the State of Florida, the coaster manufacturer, and a third-party engineer, Stardust Racers reopened on Oct. 4.
December 2025: ‘Amicable resolution’
On Dec. 13, 2025, the Rodriguez’s family shared the following statement with Attractions Magazine:
The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential. The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.
October 2025: Stardust Racers reopening at Epic Universe
In a letter sent to Universal Orlando team members on Oct. 3, 2025, Karen Irwin, president of the resort, said Stardust Racers is “prepared to reopen” on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Irwin reiterated Stardust Racers’ operations and technical aspects functioned properly before, during, and after the incident. Irwin said Universal will update “operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.”
Here is Irwin’s full letter to Universal Orlando team members sharing the reopening of Stardust Racers:
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 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.
Karen Irwin
President and COO
Universal Orlando Resort
Oct. 3, 2025
Below is our initial reporting on the incident.
September 2025: Information following the incident
The following are statements Attractions Magazine received from the Orange and Osceola County Medical Examiner office, as well as from Universal Orlando.
An autopsy was performed this morning on Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. He was found unresponsive on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe and transported to the hospital. The cause of death is multiple blunt impact injuries. The manner of death is accident.
Joshua Stephany, MD, Chief Medical Examiner, Orange and Osceola Counties
Press statement, Sept. 18, 2025
On Wednesday night, a guest was unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.
Universal Orlando spokesperson
Email to Attractions Magazine, Sept. 18, 2025
The guest had a “preexisting spinal injury,” according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, via journalist Scott Gustin.
The guest’s family hired attorney Ben Crump to represent them. Zavala was born with a “spinal chord disability,” Crump said during a press conference on Sept. 24.
Stardust Racers “ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was in tact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station,” wrote Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando, in a letter to Universal team members on Sept. 21, reported by local news station WESH.
What a tragic accident. Its scary to think that something could go wrong on a ride, especially with a preexisting injury involved. Hope the investigation finds answers and Universal takes necessary steps to ensure rider safety.
Something like this is, of course, horrible and sad beyond words. The industry has done such a good job with safety overall that people start to believe that “if they let me on the ride it must be safe” and that will likely never be true. People need to take the warnings seriously and err on the side of caution when deciding which attractions to board. I am not trying to victim shame AT ALL. Remember that although major theme parks take many steps to keep people safe, the team/cast members working the rides are not people that have advanced degrees in physiology, they won’t know what limitations a person with a pre-existing condition might have even if they know they have a pre-existing condition at all. Just because someone rolls up in a wheel chair does not mean they can’t safely ride an attraction. Some people in wheel chairs are using them just as a convenience or to lessen their tiredness at the end of the day.
What a terrible tragedy. Its scary to think about how something like this could happen on what should be an enjoyable ride. My heart goes out to the guests family during this difficult time.
Pre-existing spinal injury ? How many signs have all of us seen before we board a “strong sensation” roller coaster and not seen multiple signs warning about pre-existing conditions. Epic Universe isn’t at fault … the person who full well knew their condition was at fault.