Stardust Racers, a roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe, was working properly when a man became unresponsive and later died, according to a memo from Universal Orlando’s president.
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Wednesday from “multiple blunt impact injuries” after becoming unresponsive on the coaster, according to the Orange County medical examiner. Zavala’s death was ruled an accident.
In a memo sent to employees, Universal president Karen Irwin, said that the ride was functioning as intended and that employees correctly followed procedures.
“Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Member followed procedures,” Irwin said.
In a letter to Team Members, Universal Orlando president Karen Irwin said that "internal findings" confirm Stardust Racers ride systems functioned as intended. "Equipment was intact at the ride's start, throughout the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle's return…" pic.twitter.com/SAr3GwZOFb
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) September 21, 2025
Stardust Racers will remain closed while a review is conducted with the ride manufacturer, Irwin wrote.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.
Zavala was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers on Wednesday and transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according Universal park officials.
Zavala, who was a wheelchair user, had a preexisting spinal injury and was taking medication, according to WESH, citing an incident report from Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
A GoFundMe page reportedly set up for Zavala describes him as “an old soul” who had “a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding.”
So far, no details have been released on what caused Zavala’s injuries.
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that reaches a top speed of 62 mph and a height of 133 feet. Universal describes it as a high-speed coaster that includes “sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, an inversion, and dropping.”
It opened with the park in May and is one of four coasters at Epic Universe.