Some speculation on the Epic Universe sub of witnesses claiming to see the train pull into the station with a guest unresponsive, bloody, and slouched over. Sad and tragic night for all those involved.

A guest has died after riding the Stardust Racers ride at Epic Universe in Orlando, according to officials.

On Thursday, the Orange County Sheriff's Office identified the man as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala. The Orange County Medical Examiner confirmed an autopsy was conducted on Zavala and listed the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries.

His death was ruled an accident.

They're claiming the victim was thrown forward on the first dip and that there are issues with the restraints. Has anybody else experienced that? They indicate others have reached out to them to report similar problems.

I have to imagine this results in the ride being closed much longer.

Link to news article http://specne.ws/Vmc6i7

Sad and shocking news! Guest dies after riding stardust racers roller coaster at universal epic universe. Within just six months of opening, Universal’s Epic Universe has already experienced its first death on one of its rides. The incident occurred on the evening of September 17, 2025, during one of the final runs of the night on Stardust Racers.

Our hearts go out to the person’s family and friends, and we wish them strength during this difficult time.

It is currently unknown whether the rider had a pre-existing medical condition or if the injuries were caused by the ride itself, by flying objects or birds, or by the so-called “ragdoll effect.”
Despite strict safety measures, including mandatory metal detection and a locker system to prevent loose items, objects can still be seen flying during rides. It’s a risk that has precedent. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the former Dueling Dragons coaster, later renamed Dragon Challenge, was forced to end its signature simultaneous dispatches after multiple guests were injured by loose objects striking them mid-ride. In one particularly serious case, a man was blinded in one eye; tragically, he had already lost vision in his other eye years earlier in a similar incident.

Eyewitness accounts from guests described a chaotic and distressing scene. Several riders reported seeing a passenger slumped in their seat as the train returned to the station, with visible blood in some accounts. Witnesses recalled staff and paramedics rushing in, some jumping barriers, and performing chest compressions near the coaster’s exit gates. Others in the queue heard screams from nearby riders, and guests were quickly evacuated or held back by police and staff. While not all accounts mentioned blood, the consistent detail was that the individual appeared unconscious upon arrival in the station, prompting an immediate medical response.

Possible explanations and speculation among onlookers and online commenters range from a sudden medical episode, such as fainting or a hemorrhage, to an impact from a loose object, or even a collision with a bird or other airborne debris. Some suggested that “ragdoll” motion during high-speed sections could have caused injury without direct impact, while others noted that ride systems and restraints appeared to function normally, making a mechanical failure less likely. Until official statements are released, the prevailing expectation is that the ride will remain closed for inspection, with investigators reviewing security footage to determine the exact cause.
Stardust Racers is undeniably an intense, and for some, even rough—ride. We ourselves experienced back pain, and many other stories circulate of guests suffering back and other injuries. Some have reportedly been escorted to hospitals, with at least one case involving paralysis caused by a back injury. From our own experience riding this coaster, we strongly advise following all safety instructions: remain seated upright with your head against the headrest, and hold on tightly at all times. Do not throw your hands in the air during the “top hat” elements. These elements are most impactful at the bottom of the drop, where they transition into a tight pull-up into the next hill, delivering extreme forces exacerbated by the launches, which essentially shove the trains up the top hats with an extra boost. This can be especially punishing for taller riders, as it can whip the spine. This is the first roller coaster we’ve ever experienced where this has been an issue.

Really surprised by the cause of death being blunt force trauma.

I went on this ride multiple times in one day because I found it so comfortable and smooth.

He was barely 30 years old..died due to blunt force trauma, according to another individual there when the train pulled up he was covered in blood. There's a GoFundMe to support the family.

Okay, lets keep our composure here, certain facts of the incident have hit home to us deeply.

First things first, a GoFundMe has been setup after the death of guest found unresponsive on Stardust Racers at Universal's Epic Universe. You can find out more here.

From this point forward until the investigation is complete there will be no more articles on the incident. Listed below is all the coverage we've produced.

• Guest Found Unresponsive After Riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe Dies [Update]

• 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

Thank you for taking the time to read this.