Universal Orlando’s newest crown jewel, Epic Universe, has only been open since May, and already it’s been at the center of heartbreaking headlines.
On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive after riding the park’s flagship attraction, Stardust Racers — a dazzling dual-launch roller coaster soaring to 133 feet and hitting speeds of 62 mph.
According to the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner, Zavala’s cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries,” a finding officially ruled an accident.
Theme park rides are engineered for thrills, but this tragedy underscores a rarely discussed truth: sometimes the very forces that give us goosebumps can test the limits of the human body.
That doesn’t mean coasters aren’t safe — regulations and safety checks are rigorous — but it does remind us that those health warnings posted before rides matter more than we’d like to admit. As Dr. Joshua Stephany, Chief Medical Examiner, noted: the physical toll of such high-speed maneuvers was undeniable.
For parkgoers, Stardust Racers had quickly become a must-ride, thanks to its dueling tracks, signature “Celestial Spin” inverted crisscross, and immersive lights-and-sound show. But since the incident, the attraction has been closed indefinitely while Universal cooperates with investigators.
The company issued a heartfelt statement: “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones”.
The story also highlights a broader conversation about thrill rides: why do so many of us chase these heart-pounding experiences?
Theme parks are designed to give us a safe taste of danger, making us feel just a little braver than everyday life allows. Yet as experts warn, those g-forces put real strain on our bodies, particularly for anyone with underlying conditions, sometimes with fatal consequences.
As one park visitor told News 6 after hearing about the accident,
“I was going to go on that ride… now I’m questioning it. Obviously, I’d like to understand what actually happened.”
That pause for reflection is precisely why this tragic story matters: it puts the spotlight squarely on safety, responsibility, and the hidden costs of our collective thirst for excitement.
Epic Universe was built on the promise of wonder, immersion, and adrenaline-pumping fun. While that magic is still intact, this incident is a sobering reminder that every ride comes with both joy and risk.
For the full details and updates as this story develops, read the complete coverage at USA Today and Florida Today.
