A guest at Universal’s Epic Universe has died after riding Stardust Racers late last night (Wednesday 17th September, 2025), leading to an investigation by Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO).
According to a statement from Universal Orlando spokesperson, the guest was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was taken to the hospital, where they later died. The statement (via WESH 2 News) can be read in full below:
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Universal Orlando
WESH 2 News’ Chopper 2 captured video of a large law enforcement presence, including crime scene vans and forensic team taking photos of the roller coaster’s train in Stardurst Racers loading station at Universal’s Epic Universe (watch below).
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go to the guest’s family at this difficult time. Stay tuned as this is a developing and breaking story.
Update: According to an alleged eyewitness, the guest may have “passed out on the ride and hit his head mid-ride.”
“I was there and in line and saw it. From what I could tell, he passed out on the ride and hit his head mid-ride. By the time the coaster got back, the passenger who was [with the guest*] was frantic. Some checked for a pulse there and didn’t get anything.”
u/TwoWeeksProject
FYI: The above and below information was posted in a thread (thread comment) on the fan-run Universal Orlando community page on reddit. The thread was called ‘No words, just fully shocked’ (read here).
*According to u/TwoWeeksProject, the guest was male and the passenger was hit mother. However, we cannot confirm the validity of this claim at this time. It would appear the Reddit user was in the loading station of Stardust Racers at the time of the incident.
You can read more comments by the Reddit user below:
Comment #1: “Yeah it was dark but I could see a lot of drops/a puddle of something at his feet.”
u/TwoWeeksLater in response to u/Artist5013’s comment: “Reports in the Epic sub say he was unconscious and bleeding when the train got back to the station. It’s likely while he was unconscious during the ride he either flopped around and hit his head on something, or his arm whacked him in the face and gave him a bloody nose.“
Comment #2: “I think the front of the seat in front of him? I didn’t see it happen. I just saw him laying there in the chair. I think I heard his mother say he hit his head while passed out.”
u/TwoWeeksLater in response to u/TheMarlinsOnlyFan’s question, “What did he hit his head on?”
Comment #3: “He seems mid to late 20s.”
u/TwoWeeksLater in response to u/TheMarlinsOnlyFan’s comment, “That’s horrific. Please don’t tell me it was a kid.”
Update #2: According to a post by Scott Gustin, OCSO says the guest that died was a man in his 30s. The ride is closed today whilst the investigation continues.
Update #3: According to Spectrum News 13, the name of the guest who tragically died is 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. OCSO deputies identified the Zavala this afternoon, according to the established outlet.
Universal Orlando are said to be “devastated” over the guest’s death. “We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guests’ loved ones,” Universal Orlando officials said.
STARDUST RACERS INCIDENT RELATED ARTICLES:
- Aerial Video Shows Forensic Team Investigating Death of Guest After Riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe
- Multiple Blunt Impact Injuries Ruled Cause of Death for Guest Found Unresponsive on Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe
- VIDEO: Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe Cycling Two Days After Death of Guest Found Unresponsive After Riding
- “Everyone Get Out!”: Eyewitness Heard When Stardust Racers Train With Unresponsive Guest Returned to Loading Station
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
H/T WESH 2 News
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