Universal Orlando Resort announced it will reopen the Stardust Racers ride at its new Epic Universe park more than two weeks after the tragic death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man who sustained blunt force injuries after riding the attraction.
The ride, known for its dual-launch design and speeds reaching 62 mph (100 kph), will reopen on Saturday, according to Karen Irwin, Universal Orlando’s president and chief operating officer. In a memo to employees, Irwin said that updated signs will reinforce existing safety warnings and eligibility requirements to help guests make informed decisions before boarding.
Family Urged Delay Until Investigation Concluded
Zavala’s family had publicly appealed for Universal not to reopen the Stardust Racers ride until investigations were complete. The Orlando medical examiner ruled his death an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries, but the full autopsy report has yet to be released.
Although Zavala had a spinal disability and used a wheelchair, the family’s attorneys emphasized that his condition did not cause his death on September 17.
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Ride Cleared After Extensive Safety Review
Irwin confirmed that the ride underwent a comprehensive operational and technical review, which found that all systems functioned properly and that staff followed correct procedures.
Independent inspections were also conducted by the ride manufacturer and a roller coaster engineering expert, both of whom supported Universal’s findings that the Stardust Racers ride was functioning as intended.
Additional Lawsuit Raises Safety Concerns
Separately, a woman filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando last week, claiming she was injured on the same ride, alleging it shook her violently and caused her head to slam into the headrest.
Attorneys representing Zavala’s family said other park visitors have since come forward with similar complaints about the coaster, which opened in May 2025 with the debut of Universal’s Epic Universe theme park.
Universal has not commented on the lawsuit but maintains that the ride is safe to operate following the review and updated guest safety measures.
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