State Investigators Confirm Ride System Working Properly When Guest Became Unresponsive on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe

Investigators Confirm Epic Universe Coaster Was Operating Properly in Rider’s Death

A tragic incident at Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe has sparked questions and an official investigation. Now, both Universal and state investigators have confirmed that the attraction involved was functioning properly at the time of the guest’s death.

Related: Identified Guest Died of “Multiple Blunt Impact Injuries” After Riding Epic Universe Stardust Racers

According to a memo from Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin, the park’s internal review showed no malfunction occurred on the Stardust Racers rollercoaster. “Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures,” Irwin said in an email to staff.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which oversees ride safety at Florida’s theme parks, released a statement agreeing with Universal’s assessment. “The department’s current findings align with those shared by Universal after monitoring the same tests and reviewing the same information,” officials said. The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: Universal Orlando Serves Up a Culinary Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month

The incident occurred when 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a wheelchair user with a known spinal injury, became unresponsive during the ride. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A medical examiner ruled the death an accident, citing multiple blunt impact injuries as the cause.

While questions about theme park ride safety always arise after such tragedies, current findings indicate this was not a case of mechanical failure. Universal Orlando has pledged continued cooperation with investigators as they work to bring full clarity to the situation.

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Click Here for your FREE No Obligation Quote.