Stardust Racers reopens after safety review of rider death

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after becoming unresponsive while riding Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe on Sept. 17, officials said, and the high‑speed roller coaster reopened on Saturday, Oct. 4, after the park and outside experts completed a review and updated operational procedures. Zavala’s family and their attorney say the review did not address what they call a pattern of complaints about restraint failures and injuries on the ride.

The Orange County medical examiner ruled Zavala’s death accidental and attributed it to multiple blunt impact injuries. Universal President and COO Karen Irwin told employees in a memo that the company, the ride manufacturer and an independent engineering expert conducted an extensive review and concluded the ride systems functioned properly during boarding, throughout the ride and on return to the station, and that team members followed correct procedures. The park said it has updated signage and operational rules to reinforce physical eligibility requirements for Stardust Racers and other attractions.

Attorney Ben Crump, speaking with Zavala’s family at a news conference, disputed the findings and said multiple...