Universal Epic Universe death: What we know about the victim, who dies after riding Stardust Racers

A guest visiting Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida became apathetic after riding one of its most popular roller coasters. Later, the visitor died at the hospital, a spokesperson for America’s theme park stated. The accident took place on Wednesday night, and the park remained closed on the following Thursday.

Universal Epic Universe theme park has once again put the spotlight on America’s theme park ruling. Over the years, so many youngsters have lost their lives in theme parks, yet there have been no changes in the US theme park regulations regarding the safety of guests.

On Wednesday, the 32- year old old man became unresponsive while riding on the famous roller coaster. Stardust Racers, the dual-launch roller coaster, is famous for offering an incredible speed of 62 mph, and it reaches a height of up to 133 feet, along with 5,000 feet of track. The Stardust Racers Ride boasts an inverted criss-cross maneuver titled ‘Celestial Spin’. It is a two-sided race against each other on a green and yellow track. 

This year, on May 22, @025, the theme park opened its doors for its guests. Unfortunately, only after three months, it had to close for some time due to the fatal death of a Florida man named Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.

The incident was a truly heartbreaking scene at the Universal Epic Universe theme park. As per a report in PEOPLE, off-duty deputies and witnesses stated that they had seen the rider become unresponsive after the completion of the roller coaster ride. After the end of the ride, the rider was pulled down and rushed straight to the nearby hospital. However, Kedin was declared dead by the medical officials. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation of the Stardust Racers’ death incident. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s office will determine whether the incident was a mechanical failure, an operational issue, or a health-related cause. Safety experts stated that even well-maintained attractions can pose risks, especially for individuals undergoing medical treatment.

After the incident, Universal theme park has released the following statement, “Universal is cooperating with the Orange Cunty Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night”. The authority stated that they are devastated by this event and convey their sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones.

Tommy Italiano, an eyewitness to the incident, said that he was waiting in line to board Stardust Racers when the ride vehicle returned with the unresponsive guest. He said, “Out of nowhere, the attendant just started screaming at the top of his lungs”.