Visitor dies after becoming unresponsive on roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe in Florida
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
A visitor at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Florida became unresponsive in the middle of a roller coaster ride and later passed away at the hospital, according to park officials.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening when the person, identified by officials as 32-year-old Kevin Zavala, was riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at the Universal Orlando Resorts park and became unresponsive in the middle of the ride, according to a statement from Universal Orlando Resort.
Zavala was taken to the hospital when the ride stopped and later passed away, according to park officials.
Universal Orlando released a statement about the incident:
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Stardust Racers is a high-speed roller coaster ride that has quickly become a centerpiece of the new Epic Universe theme park, which officially opened on May 22, 2025. This dual-launch coaster is known for its exhilarating experience, reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights soaring to 133 feet.
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany said that an autopsy was conducted on Thursday morning, revealing the cause of death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.” The cause of death was determined to be an accident. The guest had not fallen from the ride.
“We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” said Universal Orlando Resorts. “We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation.”
The local medical examiner released a report on Thursday, saying Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. The report did not specify which part or parts of the body had the injuries.
The manner of death was determined to be accidental, according to the medical examiner.
As a precaution, Stardust Racers will remain closed while the investigation is underway, according to park officials.
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