Stardust Racers Reopening at EPIC Universe 15 Days After Tragic Accident. Today, team members have received a memo from Karen Irwin stating that the roller coaster, Stardust Racers, will be reopening with new operational procedures and reinforced ride warnings. This comes 15 days after a guest died on Stardust Racers.
Guests visiting EPIC Universe on October 4th, 2025, will be able to ride Stardust Racers.
This was the first death at Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, EPIC Universe, which opened to the public on May 22nd, 2025.
Dear Team Members,
As a Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss. I am deeply grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event occurred.
As I previously indicated, our comprehensive technical and operational review confirmed the ride systems functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures throughout.
Our extensive review was conducted working closely with local officials, and the State of Florida observed the testing and reviewed the results. In addition, the ride system manufacturer of record and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing and validated our findings. I am thankful for their participation throughout this important process.
Safety, as always, is our top priority. To further assist guests in determining whether they can or cannot ride an attraction, we are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides.
This means we are prepared to reopen Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe on Saturday afternoon, October 4.
In the days ahead, please continue to take care of one another and know that as we continue to process this heartbreaking event, resources are always available should you need additional support.
I am confident we will continue to deliver extraordinary guest experiences that make our Destination so special. Thank you for everything you do every day.
With care and appreciation,
Karen Irwin, President & Chief Operating Officer
Universal Orlando Resort
A guest was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers on Wednesday, 9/17/2025, at the newly opened Epic Universe at Universal Orlando.
Multiple blunt impact injuries have been ruled the cause of death for the man found unresponsive on an Epic Universe ride on Wednesday, according to the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office. The manner of death has been ruled an accident.
*Multiple blunt injuries refer to two or more simultaneous physical injuries caused by dull objects or forces rather than sharp ones, such as from a motor vehicle accident, fall, or assault.
The unnamed guest (The name has since been released) was later pronounced dead at the local hospital. WESH 2 Orlando, which was on the scene, reported that a crime scene investigation was underway, with law enforcement and a forensic team on site. An autopsy was performed on Thursday morning, after which Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, M.D., with Orange and Osceola counties, stated that the cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
Stardust Racers Reopening at EPIC Universe 15 Days After Tragic Accident
Ride a Shooting Star Across the Cosmos Stardust Racers:
Share a race across the cosmos on Stardust Racers, a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph. Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. Race along an inverted crisscross, known as the “Celestial Spin,” in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music.
