A tragic accident has cast a shadow over Universal Orlando’s newly opened Epic Universe theme park after a guest died while riding the high-speed “Stardust Racers” roller coaster. The incident, which occurred on September 17, is now under formal investigation by state authorities and has left the theme park community stunned.Credit: UniversalVictim Identified as Kevin Rodriguez ZavalaKevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, of Kissimmee, was enjoying a day at Epic Universe when he was found unresponsive after a ride on Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing roller coaster located in the park’s Celestial Park section. Zavala was transported to a local hospital by emergency services but was later pronounced dead.The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office has since ruled the death an accident, confirming the cause as “multiple blunt impact injuries.”Zavala’s family, friends, and community are mourning his untimely loss. A GoFundMe page, launched on September 18 to help cover funeral and memorial expenses, describes Kevin as a deeply compassionate and resilient individual.“Kevin was truly one of a kind. He had an old soul — wise beyond his years — with a heart full of compassion, love, and understanding,” the fundraiser reads. “He overcame so much, and he did so with quiet resilience and humility.”As of September 19, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $13,074 out of its $16,000 goal.State and Industry Response UnderwayAn investigator from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) visited the site on September 18. FDACS is responsible for inspecting amusement rides in Florida, except those operated by large parks (employing more than 1,000 staff) like Universal, which conduct their own internal inspections.“Universal has been extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released as it is available,” said FDACS Communications Director Aaron Keller in a statement to USA TODAY Florida.Universal Orlando also issued a statement expressing condolences and reaffirming their cooperation with authorities.“We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” the company said. “We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”Meanwhile, Mack Rides, the German manufacturer behind Stardust Racers, also issued a statement via Head of Marketing Maximilian Roeser:“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving the ‘Stardust Racers’ attraction,” Roeser said. “We are currently unable to comment on the circumstances of the accident but are in close contact with the operator and the authorities and are actively supporting the investigation.”What Is Stardust Racers?Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicStardust Racers is one of the flagship attractions at Epic Universe, which opened earlier this year at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando, marking the first major theme park opening in the area in over 25 years. The coaster is notable for its dueling design, with two trains racing side-by-side along 5,000 feet of intertwined track. It reaches speeds of 62 mph and ascends to heights of 133 feet, offering a fast-paced thrill ride meant to simulate a cosmic race.Manufactured by Mack Rides, the coaster has quickly become a centerpiece of Epic Universe’s Celestial Park area. Riders must meet a minimum height requirement of 48 inches and have full use of both legs and at least one natural upper extremity to safely board the attraction, according to Universal’s safety guidelines.Riders should be able to independently: “(1) maintain an upright position, (2) support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements, and (3) brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity.”Despite stringent safety measures and engineering oversight, industry experts emphasize that accidents—though rare—can still happen.“Mechanical and electrical failures end up being probably the smallest component of what can create an incident,” said Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides. “But if it turns out to be related to a mechanical failure, we would have both a moral duty plus a business duty and standards duty to inform other people that have similar equipment.”“If a ride reopens, I can guarantee you that several investigations have been made, that safety inspectors have looked at the ride, and that all checks have been done in a way that it is safe to reopen,” added Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.The Ride Remains Closed — But Testing Has ResumedAs of September 19, Stardust Racers remains officially closed, and Universal Orlando has not announced a timeline for its reopening. However, new video evidence suggests that testing is already underway behind the scenes.A video published by Orlando Theme Park Zone shows the coaster running at night, likely for ongoing testing. The footage indicates that the ride system itself is operational and possibly being subjected to safety evaluations, though Universal has not commented publicly on the nature or purpose of these nighttime tests.This aligns with industry protocol. Theme parks and manufacturers often conduct extensive testing—sometimes in partnership with third-party investigators—before determining whether a ride can be safely reopened.What Comes Next?The outcome of the investigation by FDACS, Universal’s internal team, and potentially Mack Rides will likely determine the fate of Stardust Racers. If the incident is found to have been unrelated to a mechanical or structural fault, the ride may reopen after safety assurances are confirmed. However, should any design or operational flaws be discovered, more extensive corrective actions could be required—or, in rare cases, the ride could be permanently closed.Theme park safety is always under public scrutiny following a fatality, especially in a high-profile resort like Universal Orlando. And while rides like Stardust Racers are engineered to the highest safety standards, this tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder that even the most thrilling adventures must be tempered with caution and responsibility.For now, the memory of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala is being honored by his family and community, who remember him not as a victim of a freak accident, but as a man who lived his life with resilience, compassion, and quiet strength.“He was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and lift others up, even when he was facing challenges of his own,” his family wrote.The post Indefinitely Closed Universal Caught Operating After Tragic Theme Park Death appeared first on Inside the Magic.