Universal Orlando Resort launched its first themed park, Epic Universe, back in May 2025. It has surely been a huge attraction, as it was one of the major traditional theme parks to open in Florida since Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 1999. Reportedly, made on a budget of around US 7-8 billion, Epic Universe is not a generaic theme park. Still, it consists of five themed sections, such as Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It is reportedly about 750 acres, with the main part, which consists of rides and lands, covering approximately 110 acres.
The Stardust Racer has been one of the most popular attractions at Epic Universe. It is a dual-launch steel racing coaster. According to reports, it was manufactured by Mack Rides, while the design was created by Universal’s creative team. Stardust Racer features two parallel tracks, making it feel like racing, and also has specialities like celestial spin, crisscross and more. With a speed of 62 mph, the Stardust Racer is approximately 133 feet tall.
The real reason for the death of the 32-year-old guest of Epic Universe, after riding the Stardust Racer
Since its opening, there have been reports of individuals experiencing illness after riding, although these incidents have been non-fatal. It most recently happened that a 32-year-old guest died after riding the Stardust Racer of Epic Universe, causing a clamour around. Now, his autopsy report has been released, revealing the real reason for his death. Recently, the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner released the real reason for the death of the 32-year-old, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, after he rode the Epic Universe’s roller-coaster.
Reportedly, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive after he rode the Stardust Racer, and eventually, he was taken to the nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. However, as per the Orange County fire officials, Kevin hadn’t fallen from the ride; rather, his autopsy report revealed that he died due to ‘multiple blunt impact injuries’, thereby making the cause of death ‘accidental’. An investigation was underway following this tragic incident, and Universal’s team had provided full support. A spokesperson recently gave a statement to News 6, stating:
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was bleeding, as recounted by a fellow guest
Before this fatal incident, there had been several non-fatal incidents that had been reported by the previous guests, who rode the Stardust Racer. One reported feeling dizzy, another one claimed to have faced visual disturbance and numbness, and a third guest claimed to have faced chest pain after the ride.
Speaking about the recent incident, another guest, Maria Fernandez, revealed to News 6 that when the ride finished, a girl was screaming and asking for help. Maria further added that following this, the security started to usher off the riders, and she even recalled watching Kevin slumped over and bleeding. She mentioned that it felt like his leg was broken, although she couldn’t confirm whether he was dead by then. Maria said:
“When I was on the ride, the travel finishes, and one girl starts to say, ‘Help! Help! Help!’ The girl was screaming, and we didn’t understand what had happened.”
What do you think about the fatal incident?
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