Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s new Epic Universe park in Orlando on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The shocking incident drew immediate attention to the park’s flagship coaster and has prompted an active investigation into what went wrong.
Medical examiner identifies cause of death
The Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Stephany, has released findings. He determined Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. The examiner ruled the death an accident.
Zavala was taken to a nearby hospital after being found unresponsive at the attraction. He was later pronounced dead.
What officials have said so far about the ride incident
Local law enforcement and park representatives have issued short statements while investigators gather facts. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office initially described the victim as a man in his 30s and said the probe was in its early stages.
A Universal Parks spokesperson expressed sorrow for the family and confirmed cooperation with local authorities. The park also said the ride remains closed while the matter is examined.
Key facts officials have shared
- Date of incident: Wednesday, Sept. 17.
- Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32.
- Medical finding: Multiple blunt impact injuries; death ruled accidental.
- Attraction status: Stardust Racers closed pending investigation.
About Stardust Racers and Epic Universe
Epic Universe opened in May 2025 as Universal’s newest theme park in Orlando. The park added fresh attention and crowds when it launched.
Stardust Racers is one of the park’s major roller coasters. The attraction spans roughly 5,000 feet of track and can reach speeds near 62 miles per hour.
Ride details and safety context
- Track length: about 5,000 feet.
- Top speed: about 62 mph.
- Status after incident: closed for review and safety checks.
Timeline of events and next steps in the probe
- May 2025 — Epic Universe opens to the public.
- Sept. 17 — Zavala rides Stardust Racers and is later found unresponsive.
- Post-incident — He is transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
- Medical examiner report — Cause listed as multiple blunt impact injuries; death ruled accidental.
- Ongoing — Local authorities continue their investigation and the ride remains closed.
How authorities and the park are coordinating
Investigators from the county and local law enforcement continue to review evidence at the scene. Park officials have said they are working with investigators and will not reopen the ride until it is deemed safe.
PEOPLE and other outlets sought comment from both the Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner’s office and Universal Parks USA. Park spokespeople reiterated their condolences and cooperation.
Public reaction and safety questions
The incident has raised public concern about ride safety and oversight at new attractions. Families and regular park-goers are looking for answers as officials conduct their review.
Authorities have not released a timeline for when further findings will be made public or when the coaster might reopen.
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