Universal Settles Stardust Racers Lawsuit Days After Filing

Universal Orlando has quietly settled a negligence lawsuit tied to Stardust Racers, the high-speed roller coaster at Epic Universe already under scrutiny following a recent guest death.

The suit was brought by 49-year-old Sandi Streets, who claimed she suffered serious injuries while riding Stardust Racers during a special preview on April 30, weeks before the park’s May 22 grand opening. Streets alleged her head shook violently during the ride, slamming into the headrest, and that Universal failed to properly restrain her. According to her filing, the incident left her with disability, mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and a worsening of a preexisting condition.

Related: Universal Being Sued as Guest Claims Injury From Same Epic Universe Coaster Involved in Recent Death

Her attorneys from Spetsas-Buist law firm sought $50,000 in damages and requested a jury trial. Yet Orange County court records now show the case ended almost as quickly as it began. Filed on September 24, the lawsuit was marked “Notice of Settlement and Voluntary Dismissal” by September 26. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.

This settlement comes just as Stardust Racers remains shuttered following the September 17 death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” after riding the attraction. Zavala was found unresponsive at the ride’s conclusion and later pronounced dead at the hospital. His family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump but has not yet filed a lawsuit. Meanwhile, Orange County deputies are continuing a manslaughter investigation under Florida law.

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

Universal has stated that ride systems were operating normally and that Team Members followed all safety procedures. Florida regulators’ early findings reportedly align with that assessment. Still, with two high-profile legal cases tied to the same ride in less than two weeks, the coaster’s future will remain under the microscope until the investigations conclude.

For now, Stardust Racers continues to sit idle in Epic Universe’s Celestial Park, where guests pass by the “Closed Today” sign and await word on when – or if – the attraction will reopen.

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