After an over two-week closure, Stardust Racers is slated to reopen at Epic Universe this weekend. The trip’s return comes amidst ongoing litigation following the loss of life of a visitor, however after Common Orlando’s inside investigation revealed the curler coaster functioned as designed throughout that fatality. Right here’s the newest on the Stardust Racers saga.
The visitor who handed away was 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. On the night of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Zavala grew to become unresponsive after driving Stardust Racers. He was transported to a neighborhood hospital, the place he was shortly pronounced useless.
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties said that an post-mortem was carried out on Thursday morning and that Zavala’s explanation for loss of life was “a number of blunt influence accidents.” The reason for loss of life was decided to be unintended.
Stardust Racers has been closed each single day for the reason that loss of life on September seventeenth. It’s as soon as once more listed as “Closed Right this moment” within the Common Orlando app on Friday, Oct. third.
The most recent improvement is that Common Orlando has introduced that Stardust Racers will reopen on October 4, 2025. The attraction is slated to have a delayed opening, with a scheduled begin on Saturday afternoon.
Karen Irwin, Common Orlando Resort President & COO, mentioned the next in an electronic mail to Crew Members at Epic Universe:
As one Common Orlando household, we proceed to increase our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s household and family members for his or her loss. I’m very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our staff has proven throughout and since this tragic occasion occurred.
As I beforehand indicated, our complete technical and operational evaluate confirmed the trip programs functioned correctly all through the boarding course of, the period of the trip, and upon the trip car’s return to the station, and our Crew Members adopted procedures all through.
Our in depth evaluate was performed working carefully with native officers, and the State of Florida noticed the testing and reviewed the outcomes. As well as, the trip system producer of document and an impartial, third-party curler coaster engineering professional performed their very own on-site testing and validated our findings. I’m grateful for his or her participation all through this essential course of.
Security, as at all times, is our prime precedence. To additional help company in figuring out whether or not they can or can not trip an attraction, we’re updating operational procedures and attraction signage to strengthen present trip warnings and bodily eligibility necessities at Stardust Racers and different rides.
Our Commentary
Common wouldn’t be reopening Stardust Racers until they have been assured in each the security of the attraction and their publicity to authorized legal responsibility. I need to begin with this level as a result of it’s a big one.
“Security is our prime precedence” may appear to be an compulsory platitude, nevertheless it’s additionally correct. Common and guardian firm Comcast wouldn’t be permitting this trip to reopen until they have been sure that doing so wouldn’t go away them uncovered within the occasion of future incidents to profitable litigation. Which means that their very own inside investigation should be conclusive; they need to likewise really feel their assured of their authorized place.
However, I’m shocked on the velocity with which Stardust Racers is returning. Given the variety of incidents and the continued lawsuit, I figured this was going to be an extended street to reopening–and one which entailed substantive modifications (not simply signage) to the curler coaster. Truthfully, my intestine was that early 2026 was totally believable for the trip’s return.
I’m pleased to be unsuitable about this. It means Stardust Racers is considered as secure by Common; its warnings, insurance policies & protocol, and rider necessities are all enough in offering affordable discover to company about who’s eligible and the chance being assumed. This doesn’t imply there received’t be future incidents or additional litigation. However fairly, that it’s a suitable stage of threat and Comcast feels moderately assured that they will prevail on the deserves. We will see about all of that.
Stardust Racers being down has been a giant blow to the working capability of Epic Universe. Its return will likewise present much-needed capability and reliability to the trip roster, simply earlier than fall break begins kicking into excessive gear.
Stardust Racers can be one of many extra dependable and high-capacity points of interest in Epic Universe, owing largely to it primarily being two curler coasters on one load platform. The theoretical hourly capability of Stardust Racers is estimated to be over 2,750 company, which is a giant purpose why it continuously has the shortest waits within the park. Like Monsters Unchained, the curler coaster is/was a folks eater.
This can be a sharp distinction to Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity, for instance, which has an estimated hourly capability of 700-800 company. That’s, after all, assuming it’s operational within the first place. One other curler coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, is equally low; within the 1,000 riders ballpark, which additionally explains its excessive wait instances regardless of the consensus view that Stardust Racers is the #1 curler coaster at Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers having the capability of ~3 different rides mixed and being extra dependable made it an asset to Epic Universe, which continues to be discovering its operational footing. Furthermore, Stardust Racers being a terrific curler coaster that’s considered as “price it” when it comes to reward relative to the wait can be enormous. (I’d hazard a guess that Stardust Racers has a number of the highest GSATs in Epic Universe; I wouldn’t be stunned if these different two coasters have a number of the lowest.)
All of that is to say that Stardust Racers being closed for a number of months–particularly into the Christmas season–would’ve been a large blow to park operations. Its return is a large win for Epic Universe; hopefully it’s quickly accompanied by higher climate (which means much less downtime) and effectivity good points on visitor throughput. It’s been a tough trip for Epic Universe to this point, however the park has nice bones and we actually hope early 2026 marks a turning level!
Stardust Racers Incident Recap
Based on an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Workplace, Zavala’s longtime girlfriend was with him when driving Stardust Racers and knowledgeable deputies that he had a pre-existing spinal situation and was taking treatment. Zavala’s household has confirmed that he had a spinal incapacity from delivery and used a wheelchair, however claimed that didn’t trigger his loss of life.
Like different intense thrill rides, Stardust Racers has a laundry record of security guidelines and pointers. Amongst different warnings, the attraction lists the next necessities for driving: “It is best to have the ability to independently: (1) preserve an upright place, (2) help your torso, neck, and head whereas absorbing sudden and dramatic actions, and (3) brace your physique with no less than one pure higher extremity. You could have the ability to take a small step into the trip car compartment, both independently or with help out of your companion.”
The Zavala household has since retained famend civil rights legal professional Ben Crump. The household is looking for full transparency from Common Orlando, together with the discharge of upkeep logs, inspection data, trip information, and video footage, to know the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s loss of life.
Crump’s authorized staff has heard from further witnesses and different riders who reported struggling accidents on Stardust Racers. The household believes these accounts present that warning indicators have been missed and that Kevin’s loss of life was totally preventable. At a current information convention, Crump and the household detailed the accounts of different injured riders who’ve reached out to them.
Individuals who’ve contacted the household and legislation workplace embody a girl who says she misplaced consciousness and suffered neck and backbone accidents quickly after the trip opened, Crump mentioned in the course of the information convention. He indicated that a number of of the company who’ve reported accidents weren’t disabled, but they’ve nonetheless had issues with the trip. The tales shared with the legal professional counsel a sample of issues with the trip’s restraints, inflicting riders to be thrown ahead and hit the the bar in entrance of them.
Along with this ongoing lawsuit over the Stardust Racers fatality, Common Orlando settled a lawsuit filed by a girl who asserted that she was injured on Stardust Racers throughout previews of the park three weeks earlier than its official opening. She alleged that the curler coaster induced her head to shake violently and slam in opposition to her seat’s headrest. She claimed that she suffered everlasting accidents as a result of Stardust Racers lacked correct head restraints. Common settled that go well with inside just a few days of submitting.
In a amenities report of the state’s theme parks for the second quarter (April via June), the Florida Division of Agriculture revealed that Common Orlando had a complete of seven reported incident, with two of them being on Stardust Racers. Per the report:
- 6/22/25 Stardust Racers, 63 yom, dizziness/altered state of consciousness (pre-existing situation)
- 6/24/25 Stardust Racers, 47 yof, visible disturbance/numbness (pre-existing situation)
Crump has said that there have been quite a few “warning indicators that there was one thing unsuitable with the design” of Stardust Racers, and that as a substitute of remedying the issues, Common has tried to “blame the victims.”
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that sends company rocketing via the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the quickest of all of them. Reaching speeds as much as 62 mph and heights as much as 133 ft alongside 5,000 ft of monitor, Stardust Racers is Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster expertise with distinctive maneuvers such because the “Celestial Spin,” wherein the 2 coaster automobiles carry out an inverted crisscross whereas rushing via the air, creating an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
In our Epic Universe Trip Critiques & Scores, we gave Stardust Racers an ideal 10/10, with the next reward: “These playful coasters are filled with surprises, with high-speed thrills offset by moments of levity and wonderful interaction between the 2 tracks. There’s a ridiculous quantity of airtime, and though it’s intense, it’s by no means punishing.”
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for all the things about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally take a look at our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for all the things about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE electronic mail e-newsletter.
Your Ideas
Have you ever skilled Stardust Racers at Epic Universe? Stunned that Common Orlando is reopening the trip so shortly, or did you anticipate it to return as soon as the inner investigation indicated that it functioned as meant? Ideas on what the trip provides to the trip roster and park capability at Epic Universe? Any questions we might help you reply? Please preserve the dialog civil and be respectful of the deceased and his household, buddies and family members. Any feedback that cross the road shall be deleted.
After an over two-week closure, Stardust Racers is slated to reopen at Epic Universe this weekend. The trip’s return comes amidst ongoing litigation following the loss of life of a visitor, however after Common Orlando’s inside investigation revealed the curler coaster functioned as designed throughout that fatality. Right here’s the newest on the Stardust Racers saga.
The visitor who handed away was 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. On the night of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Zavala grew to become unresponsive after driving Stardust Racers. He was transported to a neighborhood hospital, the place he was shortly pronounced useless.
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties said that an post-mortem was carried out on Thursday morning and that Zavala’s explanation for loss of life was “a number of blunt influence accidents.” The reason for loss of life was decided to be unintended.
Stardust Racers has been closed each single day for the reason that loss of life on September seventeenth. It’s as soon as once more listed as “Closed Right this moment” within the Common Orlando app on Friday, Oct. third.
The most recent improvement is that Common Orlando has introduced that Stardust Racers will reopen on October 4, 2025. The attraction is slated to have a delayed opening, with a scheduled begin on Saturday afternoon.
Karen Irwin, Common Orlando Resort President & COO, mentioned the next in an electronic mail to Crew Members at Epic Universe:
As one Common Orlando household, we proceed to increase our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s household and family members for his or her loss. I’m very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our staff has proven throughout and since this tragic occasion occurred.
As I beforehand indicated, our complete technical and operational evaluate confirmed the trip programs functioned correctly all through the boarding course of, the period of the trip, and upon the trip car’s return to the station, and our Crew Members adopted procedures all through.
Our in depth evaluate was performed working carefully with native officers, and the State of Florida noticed the testing and reviewed the outcomes. As well as, the trip system producer of document and an impartial, third-party curler coaster engineering professional performed their very own on-site testing and validated our findings. I’m grateful for his or her participation all through this essential course of.
Security, as at all times, is our prime precedence. To additional help company in figuring out whether or not they can or can not trip an attraction, we’re updating operational procedures and attraction signage to strengthen present trip warnings and bodily eligibility necessities at Stardust Racers and different rides.
Our Commentary
Common wouldn’t be reopening Stardust Racers until they have been assured in each the security of the attraction and their publicity to authorized legal responsibility. I need to begin with this level as a result of it’s a big one.
“Security is our prime precedence” may appear to be an compulsory platitude, nevertheless it’s additionally correct. Common and guardian firm Comcast wouldn’t be permitting this trip to reopen until they have been sure that doing so wouldn’t go away them uncovered within the occasion of future incidents to profitable litigation. Which means that their very own inside investigation should be conclusive; they need to likewise really feel their assured of their authorized place.
However, I’m shocked on the velocity with which Stardust Racers is returning. Given the variety of incidents and the continued lawsuit, I figured this was going to be an extended street to reopening–and one which entailed substantive modifications (not simply signage) to the curler coaster. Truthfully, my intestine was that early 2026 was totally believable for the trip’s return.
I’m pleased to be unsuitable about this. It means Stardust Racers is considered as secure by Common; its warnings, insurance policies & protocol, and rider necessities are all enough in offering affordable discover to company about who’s eligible and the chance being assumed. This doesn’t imply there received’t be future incidents or additional litigation. However fairly, that it’s a suitable stage of threat and Comcast feels moderately assured that they will prevail on the deserves. We will see about all of that.
Stardust Racers being down has been a giant blow to the working capability of Epic Universe. Its return will likewise present much-needed capability and reliability to the trip roster, simply earlier than fall break begins kicking into excessive gear.
Stardust Racers can be one of many extra dependable and high-capacity points of interest in Epic Universe, owing largely to it primarily being two curler coasters on one load platform. The theoretical hourly capability of Stardust Racers is estimated to be over 2,750 company, which is a giant purpose why it continuously has the shortest waits within the park. Like Monsters Unchained, the curler coaster is/was a folks eater.
This can be a sharp distinction to Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity, for instance, which has an estimated hourly capability of 700-800 company. That’s, after all, assuming it’s operational within the first place. One other curler coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, is equally low; within the 1,000 riders ballpark, which additionally explains its excessive wait instances regardless of the consensus view that Stardust Racers is the #1 curler coaster at Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers having the capability of ~3 different rides mixed and being extra dependable made it an asset to Epic Universe, which continues to be discovering its operational footing. Furthermore, Stardust Racers being a terrific curler coaster that’s considered as “price it” when it comes to reward relative to the wait can be enormous. (I’d hazard a guess that Stardust Racers has a number of the highest GSATs in Epic Universe; I wouldn’t be stunned if these different two coasters have a number of the lowest.)
All of that is to say that Stardust Racers being closed for a number of months–particularly into the Christmas season–would’ve been a large blow to park operations. Its return is a large win for Epic Universe; hopefully it’s quickly accompanied by higher climate (which means much less downtime) and effectivity good points on visitor throughput. It’s been a tough trip for Epic Universe to this point, however the park has nice bones and we actually hope early 2026 marks a turning level!
Stardust Racers Incident Recap
Based on an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Workplace, Zavala’s longtime girlfriend was with him when driving Stardust Racers and knowledgeable deputies that he had a pre-existing spinal situation and was taking treatment. Zavala’s household has confirmed that he had a spinal incapacity from delivery and used a wheelchair, however claimed that didn’t trigger his loss of life.
Like different intense thrill rides, Stardust Racers has a laundry record of security guidelines and pointers. Amongst different warnings, the attraction lists the next necessities for driving: “It is best to have the ability to independently: (1) preserve an upright place, (2) help your torso, neck, and head whereas absorbing sudden and dramatic actions, and (3) brace your physique with no less than one pure higher extremity. You could have the ability to take a small step into the trip car compartment, both independently or with help out of your companion.”
The Zavala household has since retained famend civil rights legal professional Ben Crump. The household is looking for full transparency from Common Orlando, together with the discharge of upkeep logs, inspection data, trip information, and video footage, to know the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s loss of life.
Crump’s authorized staff has heard from further witnesses and different riders who reported struggling accidents on Stardust Racers. The household believes these accounts present that warning indicators have been missed and that Kevin’s loss of life was totally preventable. At a current information convention, Crump and the household detailed the accounts of different injured riders who’ve reached out to them.
Individuals who’ve contacted the household and legislation workplace embody a girl who says she misplaced consciousness and suffered neck and backbone accidents quickly after the trip opened, Crump mentioned in the course of the information convention. He indicated that a number of of the company who’ve reported accidents weren’t disabled, but they’ve nonetheless had issues with the trip. The tales shared with the legal professional counsel a sample of issues with the trip’s restraints, inflicting riders to be thrown ahead and hit the the bar in entrance of them.
Along with this ongoing lawsuit over the Stardust Racers fatality, Common Orlando settled a lawsuit filed by a girl who asserted that she was injured on Stardust Racers throughout previews of the park three weeks earlier than its official opening. She alleged that the curler coaster induced her head to shake violently and slam in opposition to her seat’s headrest. She claimed that she suffered everlasting accidents as a result of Stardust Racers lacked correct head restraints. Common settled that go well with inside just a few days of submitting.
In a amenities report of the state’s theme parks for the second quarter (April via June), the Florida Division of Agriculture revealed that Common Orlando had a complete of seven reported incident, with two of them being on Stardust Racers. Per the report:
- 6/22/25 Stardust Racers, 63 yom, dizziness/altered state of consciousness (pre-existing situation)
- 6/24/25 Stardust Racers, 47 yof, visible disturbance/numbness (pre-existing situation)
Crump has said that there have been quite a few “warning indicators that there was one thing unsuitable with the design” of Stardust Racers, and that as a substitute of remedying the issues, Common has tried to “blame the victims.”
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that sends company rocketing via the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the quickest of all of them. Reaching speeds as much as 62 mph and heights as much as 133 ft alongside 5,000 ft of monitor, Stardust Racers is Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster expertise with distinctive maneuvers such because the “Celestial Spin,” wherein the 2 coaster automobiles carry out an inverted crisscross whereas rushing via the air, creating an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
In our Epic Universe Trip Critiques & Scores, we gave Stardust Racers an ideal 10/10, with the next reward: “These playful coasters are filled with surprises, with high-speed thrills offset by moments of levity and wonderful interaction between the 2 tracks. There’s a ridiculous quantity of airtime, and though it’s intense, it’s by no means punishing.”
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for all the things about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally take a look at our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for all the things about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE electronic mail e-newsletter.
Your Ideas
Have you ever skilled Stardust Racers at Epic Universe? Stunned that Common Orlando is reopening the trip so shortly, or did you anticipate it to return as soon as the inner investigation indicated that it functioned as meant? Ideas on what the trip provides to the trip roster and park capability at Epic Universe? Any questions we might help you reply? Please preserve the dialog civil and be respectful of the deceased and his household, buddies and family members. Any feedback that cross the road shall be deleted.
After an over two-week closure, Stardust Racers is slated to reopen at Epic Universe this weekend. The trip’s return comes amidst ongoing litigation following the loss of life of a visitor, however after Common Orlando’s inside investigation revealed the curler coaster functioned as designed throughout that fatality. Right here’s the newest on the Stardust Racers saga.
The visitor who handed away was 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. On the night of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Zavala grew to become unresponsive after driving Stardust Racers. He was transported to a neighborhood hospital, the place he was shortly pronounced useless.
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties said that an post-mortem was carried out on Thursday morning and that Zavala’s explanation for loss of life was “a number of blunt influence accidents.” The reason for loss of life was decided to be unintended.
Stardust Racers has been closed each single day for the reason that loss of life on September seventeenth. It’s as soon as once more listed as “Closed Right this moment” within the Common Orlando app on Friday, Oct. third.
The most recent improvement is that Common Orlando has introduced that Stardust Racers will reopen on October 4, 2025. The attraction is slated to have a delayed opening, with a scheduled begin on Saturday afternoon.
Karen Irwin, Common Orlando Resort President & COO, mentioned the next in an electronic mail to Crew Members at Epic Universe:
As one Common Orlando household, we proceed to increase our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s household and family members for his or her loss. I’m very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our staff has proven throughout and since this tragic occasion occurred.
As I beforehand indicated, our complete technical and operational evaluate confirmed the trip programs functioned correctly all through the boarding course of, the period of the trip, and upon the trip car’s return to the station, and our Crew Members adopted procedures all through.
Our in depth evaluate was performed working carefully with native officers, and the State of Florida noticed the testing and reviewed the outcomes. As well as, the trip system producer of document and an impartial, third-party curler coaster engineering professional performed their very own on-site testing and validated our findings. I’m grateful for his or her participation all through this essential course of.
Security, as at all times, is our prime precedence. To additional help company in figuring out whether or not they can or can not trip an attraction, we’re updating operational procedures and attraction signage to strengthen present trip warnings and bodily eligibility necessities at Stardust Racers and different rides.
Our Commentary
Common wouldn’t be reopening Stardust Racers until they have been assured in each the security of the attraction and their publicity to authorized legal responsibility. I need to begin with this level as a result of it’s a big one.
“Security is our prime precedence” may appear to be an compulsory platitude, nevertheless it’s additionally correct. Common and guardian firm Comcast wouldn’t be permitting this trip to reopen until they have been sure that doing so wouldn’t go away them uncovered within the occasion of future incidents to profitable litigation. Which means that their very own inside investigation should be conclusive; they need to likewise really feel their assured of their authorized place.
However, I’m shocked on the velocity with which Stardust Racers is returning. Given the variety of incidents and the continued lawsuit, I figured this was going to be an extended street to reopening–and one which entailed substantive modifications (not simply signage) to the curler coaster. Truthfully, my intestine was that early 2026 was totally believable for the trip’s return.
I’m pleased to be unsuitable about this. It means Stardust Racers is considered as secure by Common; its warnings, insurance policies & protocol, and rider necessities are all enough in offering affordable discover to company about who’s eligible and the chance being assumed. This doesn’t imply there received’t be future incidents or additional litigation. However fairly, that it’s a suitable stage of threat and Comcast feels moderately assured that they will prevail on the deserves. We will see about all of that.
Stardust Racers being down has been a giant blow to the working capability of Epic Universe. Its return will likewise present much-needed capability and reliability to the trip roster, simply earlier than fall break begins kicking into excessive gear.
Stardust Racers can be one of many extra dependable and high-capacity points of interest in Epic Universe, owing largely to it primarily being two curler coasters on one load platform. The theoretical hourly capability of Stardust Racers is estimated to be over 2,750 company, which is a giant purpose why it continuously has the shortest waits within the park. Like Monsters Unchained, the curler coaster is/was a folks eater.
This can be a sharp distinction to Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity, for instance, which has an estimated hourly capability of 700-800 company. That’s, after all, assuming it’s operational within the first place. One other curler coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, is equally low; within the 1,000 riders ballpark, which additionally explains its excessive wait instances regardless of the consensus view that Stardust Racers is the #1 curler coaster at Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers having the capability of ~3 different rides mixed and being extra dependable made it an asset to Epic Universe, which continues to be discovering its operational footing. Furthermore, Stardust Racers being a terrific curler coaster that’s considered as “price it” when it comes to reward relative to the wait can be enormous. (I’d hazard a guess that Stardust Racers has a number of the highest GSATs in Epic Universe; I wouldn’t be stunned if these different two coasters have a number of the lowest.)
All of that is to say that Stardust Racers being closed for a number of months–particularly into the Christmas season–would’ve been a large blow to park operations. Its return is a large win for Epic Universe; hopefully it’s quickly accompanied by higher climate (which means much less downtime) and effectivity good points on visitor throughput. It’s been a tough trip for Epic Universe to this point, however the park has nice bones and we actually hope early 2026 marks a turning level!
Stardust Racers Incident Recap
Based on an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Workplace, Zavala’s longtime girlfriend was with him when driving Stardust Racers and knowledgeable deputies that he had a pre-existing spinal situation and was taking treatment. Zavala’s household has confirmed that he had a spinal incapacity from delivery and used a wheelchair, however claimed that didn’t trigger his loss of life.
Like different intense thrill rides, Stardust Racers has a laundry record of security guidelines and pointers. Amongst different warnings, the attraction lists the next necessities for driving: “It is best to have the ability to independently: (1) preserve an upright place, (2) help your torso, neck, and head whereas absorbing sudden and dramatic actions, and (3) brace your physique with no less than one pure higher extremity. You could have the ability to take a small step into the trip car compartment, both independently or with help out of your companion.”
The Zavala household has since retained famend civil rights legal professional Ben Crump. The household is looking for full transparency from Common Orlando, together with the discharge of upkeep logs, inspection data, trip information, and video footage, to know the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s loss of life.
Crump’s authorized staff has heard from further witnesses and different riders who reported struggling accidents on Stardust Racers. The household believes these accounts present that warning indicators have been missed and that Kevin’s loss of life was totally preventable. At a current information convention, Crump and the household detailed the accounts of different injured riders who’ve reached out to them.
Individuals who’ve contacted the household and legislation workplace embody a girl who says she misplaced consciousness and suffered neck and backbone accidents quickly after the trip opened, Crump mentioned in the course of the information convention. He indicated that a number of of the company who’ve reported accidents weren’t disabled, but they’ve nonetheless had issues with the trip. The tales shared with the legal professional counsel a sample of issues with the trip’s restraints, inflicting riders to be thrown ahead and hit the the bar in entrance of them.
Along with this ongoing lawsuit over the Stardust Racers fatality, Common Orlando settled a lawsuit filed by a girl who asserted that she was injured on Stardust Racers throughout previews of the park three weeks earlier than its official opening. She alleged that the curler coaster induced her head to shake violently and slam in opposition to her seat’s headrest. She claimed that she suffered everlasting accidents as a result of Stardust Racers lacked correct head restraints. Common settled that go well with inside just a few days of submitting.
In a amenities report of the state’s theme parks for the second quarter (April via June), the Florida Division of Agriculture revealed that Common Orlando had a complete of seven reported incident, with two of them being on Stardust Racers. Per the report:
- 6/22/25 Stardust Racers, 63 yom, dizziness/altered state of consciousness (pre-existing situation)
- 6/24/25 Stardust Racers, 47 yof, visible disturbance/numbness (pre-existing situation)
Crump has said that there have been quite a few “warning indicators that there was one thing unsuitable with the design” of Stardust Racers, and that as a substitute of remedying the issues, Common has tried to “blame the victims.”
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that sends company rocketing via the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the quickest of all of them. Reaching speeds as much as 62 mph and heights as much as 133 ft alongside 5,000 ft of monitor, Stardust Racers is Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster expertise with distinctive maneuvers such because the “Celestial Spin,” wherein the 2 coaster automobiles carry out an inverted crisscross whereas rushing via the air, creating an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
In our Epic Universe Trip Critiques & Scores, we gave Stardust Racers an ideal 10/10, with the next reward: “These playful coasters are filled with surprises, with high-speed thrills offset by moments of levity and wonderful interaction between the 2 tracks. There’s a ridiculous quantity of airtime, and though it’s intense, it’s by no means punishing.”
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation to your go to to Central Florida? Ensure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for all the things about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally take a look at our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for all the things about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and rather more, join our FREE electronic mail e-newsletter.
Your Ideas
Have you ever skilled Stardust Racers at Epic Universe? Stunned that Common Orlando is reopening the trip so shortly, or did you anticipate it to return as soon as the inner investigation indicated that it functioned as meant? Ideas on what the trip provides to the trip roster and park capability at Epic Universe? Any questions we might help you reply? Please preserve the dialog civil and be respectful of the deceased and his household, buddies and family members. Any feedback that cross the road shall be deleted.
After an over two-week closure, Stardust Racers is slated to reopen at Epic Universe this weekend. The trip’s return comes amidst ongoing litigation following the loss of life of a visitor, however after Common Orlando’s inside investigation revealed the curler coaster functioned as designed throughout that fatality. Right here’s the newest on the Stardust Racers saga.
The visitor who handed away was 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. On the night of Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Zavala grew to become unresponsive after driving Stardust Racers. He was transported to a neighborhood hospital, the place he was shortly pronounced useless.
Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D. with Orange and Osceola counties said that an post-mortem was carried out on Thursday morning and that Zavala’s explanation for loss of life was “a number of blunt influence accidents.” The reason for loss of life was decided to be unintended.
Stardust Racers has been closed each single day for the reason that loss of life on September seventeenth. It’s as soon as once more listed as “Closed Right this moment” within the Common Orlando app on Friday, Oct. third.
The most recent improvement is that Common Orlando has introduced that Stardust Racers will reopen on October 4, 2025. The attraction is slated to have a delayed opening, with a scheduled begin on Saturday afternoon.
Karen Irwin, Common Orlando Resort President & COO, mentioned the next in an electronic mail to Crew Members at Epic Universe:
As one Common Orlando household, we proceed to increase our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s household and family members for his or her loss. I’m very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our staff has proven throughout and since this tragic occasion occurred.
As I beforehand indicated, our complete technical and operational evaluate confirmed the trip programs functioned correctly all through the boarding course of, the period of the trip, and upon the trip car’s return to the station, and our Crew Members adopted procedures all through.
Our in depth evaluate was performed working carefully with native officers, and the State of Florida noticed the testing and reviewed the outcomes. As well as, the trip system producer of document and an impartial, third-party curler coaster engineering professional performed their very own on-site testing and validated our findings. I’m grateful for his or her participation all through this essential course of.
Security, as at all times, is our prime precedence. To additional help company in figuring out whether or not they can or can not trip an attraction, we’re updating operational procedures and attraction signage to strengthen present trip warnings and bodily eligibility necessities at Stardust Racers and different rides.
Our Commentary
Common wouldn’t be reopening Stardust Racers until they have been assured in each the security of the attraction and their publicity to authorized legal responsibility. I need to begin with this level as a result of it’s a big one.
“Security is our prime precedence” may appear to be an compulsory platitude, nevertheless it’s additionally correct. Common and guardian firm Comcast wouldn’t be permitting this trip to reopen until they have been sure that doing so wouldn’t go away them uncovered within the occasion of future incidents to profitable litigation. Which means that their very own inside investigation should be conclusive; they need to likewise really feel their assured of their authorized place.
However, I’m shocked on the velocity with which Stardust Racers is returning. Given the variety of incidents and the continued lawsuit, I figured this was going to be an extended street to reopening–and one which entailed substantive modifications (not simply signage) to the curler coaster. Truthfully, my intestine was that early 2026 was totally believable for the trip’s return.
I’m pleased to be unsuitable about this. It means Stardust Racers is considered as secure by Common; its warnings, insurance policies & protocol, and rider necessities are all enough in offering affordable discover to company about who’s eligible and the chance being assumed. This doesn’t imply there received’t be future incidents or additional litigation. However fairly, that it’s a suitable stage of threat and Comcast feels moderately assured that they will prevail on the deserves. We will see about all of that.
Stardust Racers being down has been a giant blow to the working capability of Epic Universe. Its return will likewise present much-needed capability and reliability to the trip roster, simply earlier than fall break begins kicking into excessive gear.
Stardust Racers can be one of many extra dependable and high-capacity points of interest in Epic Universe, owing largely to it primarily being two curler coasters on one load platform. The theoretical hourly capability of Stardust Racers is estimated to be over 2,750 company, which is a giant purpose why it continuously has the shortest waits within the park. Like Monsters Unchained, the curler coaster is/was a folks eater.
This can be a sharp distinction to Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Insanity, for instance, which has an estimated hourly capability of 700-800 company. That’s, after all, assuming it’s operational within the first place. One other curler coaster, Curse of the Werewolf, is equally low; within the 1,000 riders ballpark, which additionally explains its excessive wait instances regardless of the consensus view that Stardust Racers is the #1 curler coaster at Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers having the capability of ~3 different rides mixed and being extra dependable made it an asset to Epic Universe, which continues to be discovering its operational footing. Furthermore, Stardust Racers being a terrific curler coaster that’s considered as “price it” when it comes to reward relative to the wait can be enormous. (I’d hazard a guess that Stardust Racers has a number of the highest GSATs in Epic Universe; I wouldn’t be stunned if these different two coasters have a number of the lowest.)
All of that is to say that Stardust Racers being closed for a number of months–particularly into the Christmas season–would’ve been a large blow to park operations. Its return is a large win for Epic Universe; hopefully it’s quickly accompanied by higher climate (which means much less downtime) and effectivity good points on visitor throughput. It’s been a tough trip for Epic Universe to this point, however the park has nice bones and we actually hope early 2026 marks a turning level!
Stardust Racers Incident Recap
Based on an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Workplace, Zavala’s longtime girlfriend was with him when driving Stardust Racers and knowledgeable deputies that he had a pre-existing spinal situation and was taking treatment. Zavala’s household has confirmed that he had a spinal incapacity from delivery and used a wheelchair, however claimed that didn’t trigger his loss of life.
Like different intense thrill rides, Stardust Racers has a laundry record of security guidelines and pointers. Amongst different warnings, the attraction lists the next necessities for driving: “It is best to have the ability to independently: (1) preserve an upright place, (2) help your torso, neck, and head whereas absorbing sudden and dramatic actions, and (3) brace your physique with no less than one pure higher extremity. You could have the ability to take a small step into the trip car compartment, both independently or with help out of your companion.”
The Zavala household has since retained famend civil rights legal professional Ben Crump. The household is looking for full transparency from Common Orlando, together with the discharge of upkeep logs, inspection data, trip information, and video footage, to know the circumstances surrounding Kevin’s loss of life.
Crump’s authorized staff has heard from further witnesses and different riders who reported struggling accidents on Stardust Racers. The household believes these accounts present that warning indicators have been missed and that Kevin’s loss of life was totally preventable. At a current information convention, Crump and the household detailed the accounts of different injured riders who’ve reached out to them.
Individuals who’ve contacted the household and legislation workplace embody a girl who says she misplaced consciousness and suffered neck and backbone accidents quickly after the trip opened, Crump mentioned in the course of the information convention. He indicated that a number of of the company who’ve reported accidents weren’t disabled, but they’ve nonetheless had issues with the trip. The tales shared with the legal professional counsel a sample of issues with the trip’s restraints, inflicting riders to be thrown ahead and hit the the bar in entrance of them.
Along with this ongoing lawsuit over the Stardust Racers fatality, Common Orlando settled a lawsuit filed by a girl who asserted that she was injured on Stardust Racers throughout previews of the park three weeks earlier than its official opening. She alleged that the curler coaster induced her head to shake violently and slam in opposition to her seat’s headrest. She claimed that she suffered everlasting accidents as a result of Stardust Racers lacked correct head restraints. Common settled that go well with inside just a few days of submitting.
In a amenities report of the state’s theme parks for the second quarter (April via June), the Florida Division of Agriculture revealed that Common Orlando had a complete of seven reported incident, with two of them being on Stardust Racers. Per the report:
- 6/22/25 Stardust Racers, 63 yom, dizziness/altered state of consciousness (pre-existing situation)
- 6/24/25 Stardust Racers, 47 yof, visible disturbance/numbness (pre-existing situation)
Crump has said that there have been quite a few “warning indicators that there was one thing unsuitable with the design” of Stardust Racers, and that as a substitute of remedying the issues, Common has tried to “blame the victims.”
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that sends company rocketing via the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the quickest of all of them. Reaching speeds as much as 62 mph and heights as much as 133 ft alongside 5,000 ft of monitor, Stardust Racers is Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster expertise with distinctive maneuvers such because the “Celestial Spin,” wherein the 2 coaster automobiles carry out an inverted crisscross whereas rushing via the air, creating an otherworldly adrenaline rush.
In our Epic Universe Trip Critiques & Scores, we gave Stardust Racers an ideal 10/10, with the next reward: “These playful coasters are filled with surprises, with high-speed thrills offset by moments of levity and wonderful interaction between the 2 tracks. There’s a ridiculous quantity of airtime, and though it’s intense, it’s by no means punishing.”
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Your Ideas
Have you ever skilled Stardust Racers at Epic Universe? Stunned that Common Orlando is reopening the trip so shortly, or did you anticipate it to return as soon as the inner investigation indicated that it functioned as meant? Ideas on what the trip provides to the trip roster and park capability at Epic Universe? Any questions we might help you reply? Please preserve the dialog civil and be respectful of the deceased and his household, buddies and family members. Any feedback that cross the road shall be deleted.
