Universal Reopens Stardust Racers After Rider Death

On Sept. 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the Stardust Racers coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe; he was a wheelchair user with a reported preexisting spinal condition, and the Orange-Osceola medical examiner ruled the death an accident from multiple blunt-impact injuries. Universal closed the coaster, conducted a comprehensive technical and operational review with local and state officials, and said on-site testing by the ride manufacturer and an independent engineering expert found the ride systems functioned normally. The park reopened Stardust Racers on Oct. 4 and updated safety and accessibility guides, attraction signage, and wheelchair accommodation policies across several Epic Universe rides. Zavala’s family and civil-rights attorney Ben Crump condemned the quick reopening as reckless and say multiple other riders have contacted them reporting similar head, neck and spine injuries. At least one rider has filed a lawsuit alleging permanent injuries and another suit was reportedly settled; the family is seeking ride video and independent answers as investigations and litigation continue.