Epic Universe Lawsuit: What Went Wrong on the Stardust Racers?

The highly anticipated opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando was recently overshadowed by a tragic incident. Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old man, died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster, prompting investigations and raising serious questions about ride safety. This incident has not only cast a shadow over the new theme park but has also ignited a legal battle, with the family of the deceased retaining civil rights attorney Ben Crump. Theme park safety is under scrutiny, as more than 43,000 people were injured at amusement parks in 2017 alone.

The Stardust Racers Incident: A Timeline of Events

On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala became unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be “multiple blunt impact injuries” and ruled the incident an accident.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events that followed:

Initial Reports: Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the incident and stated their commitment to cooperating with the investigation.
Identification and Cause of Death: The deceased was identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, and the medical examiner revealed the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries.
Witness Testimony: Maria Fernandez, a fellow rider, reported that after the ride, a girl began screaming for help. Zavala appeared slumped over, bleeding, with a possible leg injury.
Pre-existing Condition: An incident report revealed that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and was in a wheelchair.
Universal’s Statement: Universal stated that the ride systems functioned as intended and that equipment was intact throughout the ride’s duration.
Legal Action: The Zavala family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, seeking full transparency and demanding the release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage.

Understanding Stardust Racers

Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster, meaning it features two tracks where trains launch simultaneously, creating a sense of competition. The ride reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and heights of 133 feet. It’s designed to be a thrilling experience with twists, turns, and inversions, all within an immersive space-themed environment.

Potential Causes and Contributing Factors

Several factors could have contributed to the tragic outcome.

Blunt Force Trauma: The medical examiner’s report indicated that Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries. This raises questions about the forces exerted on riders during the coaster ride and whether these forces were excessive or within acceptable safety limits.
Pre-existing Condition: Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury, which may have made him more vulnerable to injury during the ride. Universal’s safety guide states that Stardust Racers is “not for guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions.”
Ride Design and Safety Oversight: Attorney Eloisa Pino argued that the coaster should remain closed until a full investigation is complete, suggesting that incorrect tests were done, which points to design or safety oversight.
Operational Procedures: The investigation will likely examine whether the ride’s operators followed proper procedures and whether any operational errors contributed to the accident.

Legal Implications and Potential Lawsuit

The Zavala family’s decision to hire Ben Crump signals their intent to pursue legal action against Universal Orlando Resort. A lawsuit could allege negligence on the part of the park, claiming that it failed to ensure the safety of its riders.

Potential legal arguments could include:

Failure to Warn: The lawsuit may argue that Universal failed to adequately warn riders with pre-existing conditions about the potential risks of riding Stardust Racers.
Negligent Design or Maintenance: The lawsuit may claim that the ride was negligently designed or maintained, making it unsafe for riders.
Operational Negligence: The lawsuit may allege that the ride’s operators failed to follow proper procedures, contributing to the accident.

If negligence is proven, Universal could be held liable for damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Theme Park Safety Regulations in Florida

Florida’s theme parks are subject to a unique regulatory framework. Larger theme parks, such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld, are exempt from state safety inspections. Instead, they conduct their own inspections and self-report injuries to the state as part of a Memorandum of Understanding.

This self-reporting system has drawn criticism from safety advocates, who argue for more independent oversight. They contend that the lack of independent inspections may compromise safety and that theme parks may have a financial incentive to downplay or underreport injuries.

Advice for Theme Park Visitors

While theme parks strive to provide safe and enjoyable experiences, accidents can happen. Here are some tips to help you stay safe during your next theme park visit:

Read and Follow Safety Instructions: Pay attention to all posted safety warnings and instructions, and follow them carefully.
Heed Ride Restrictions: Be aware of height, weight, and health restrictions for each ride, and do not ride if you do not meet the requirements.
Disclose Pre-existing Conditions: If you have any pre-existing health conditions, consult with your doctor before riding any thrill rides.
Use Restraints Properly: Make sure that all safety restraints are properly fastened and secured before the ride starts.
Stay Seated: Remain seated and keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times.
Report Any Concerns: If you notice any safety hazards or have any concerns about a ride, report them to park staff immediately.

Finding Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has been injured at a theme park, it is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and help you pursue a claim for damages.

Several law firms in the Orlando area specialize in theme park accidents, including:

The Law Office of David R. Heil, P.A.
The Troutman Law Firm
Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law
Whittel & Melton, LLC
The Law Offices of Charles H. Leo
The Doan Law Firm

These firms offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options.

Conclusion

The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala at Epic Universe is a tragic reminder of the potential risks associated with theme park rides. As investigations continue and legal battles unfold, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that theme parks are held accountable for protecting their visitors. By understanding the risks, following safety guidelines, and seeking legal representation when necessary, we can work to prevent future tragedies and make theme parks safer for everyone.