Stardust Racers Safety: What Changes Are Needed After Recent Incident?

Stardust Racers Safety: What Changes Are Needed After Recent Incident?

The recent tragic death of a 32-year-old man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe has sent shockwaves through the theme park industry, raising serious questions about ride safety and what measures can be taken to prevent future incidents. According to the Orange County Medical Examiner, Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries” sustained during the ride. This incident has led to a manslaughter investigation and prompted calls for greater transparency and stricter safety regulations.

The Incident: A Timeline of Events

On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala rode the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe. Shortly after the ride, he was found unresponsive on the ride platform. Universal Orlando Health Services performed CPR on Zavala before he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The medical examiner ruled the death an accident caused by multiple blunt impact injuries.

Adding to the complexity, an incident report revealed that Zavala had a pre-existing spinal injury and used a wheelchair. While Universal’s safety guide states that Stardust Racers is “not for guests with back, neck, or similar physical conditions,” the circumstances surrounding his access to the ride are under scrutiny.

Immediate Aftermath and Investigations

Following Zavala’s death, Stardust Racers was immediately shut down, and investigations were launched by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Universal Orlando also initiated an internal review.

  • Manslaughter Investigation: The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident under Florida’s manslaughter statute, which involves determining if negligence, whether criminal or non-criminal, contributed to the death.
  • Internal Review: Universal Orlando President Karen Irwin stated that the ride “functioned as intended” and that the equipment was intact throughout the ride.
  • State Investigation: The FDACS, which oversees ride safety in Florida, stated that its “current findings align with those shared by Universal” but that the investigation is ongoing.

Calls for Change: What Changes Are Needed?

In the wake of this tragedy, several key areas have emerged as potential targets for safety improvements:

1. Enhanced Screening and Rider Restrictions

One of the most pressing questions is whether current screening procedures are adequate to identify riders who may be at increased risk on high-intensity attractions.

  • Transparency: Ben Crump, the attorney hired by Zavala’s family, is calling for the release of maintenance logs, inspection records, ride data, and video footage to understand the circumstances surrounding the death.
  • Pre-existing Conditions: While Universal’s safety guide advises against riding for those with back or neck conditions, the effectiveness of this warning is in question, given Zavala’s pre-existing spinal injury.
  • Medical Detectors: While passengers go through a medical detector before reaching the loading platform, the capabilities and limitations need to be evaluated.

Potential Changes:

  • More comprehensive health questionnaires: Implementing more detailed health questionnaires and consultations with medical professionals for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
  • Improved signage and warnings: Enhancing the clarity and visibility of warnings regarding health risks associated with the ride.
  • Stricter enforcement of restrictions: Ensuring that ride operators are adequately trained to identify and prevent high-risk individuals from riding.

2. Ride Design and Safety Features

Stardust Racers, manufactured by Mack Rides, is a dual-launch racing coaster known for its high speeds (up to 62 mph) and intense G-forces. The ride’s design and safety features warrant close examination to identify potential areas for improvement.

  • Trim Brakes: In February 2025, trim brakes were added to the coaster’s top hat element to address concerns about the rapid transition between negative and positive G-forces, particularly in car 5 of each train.
  • Restraint Systems: The effectiveness of the ride’s restraint system in preventing blunt force injuries needs to be thoroughly evaluated.
  • Ride Testing: It is important to analyze the data from previous ride tests and make any necessary adjustments.

Potential Changes:

  • Further adjustments to trim brakes: Fine-tuning the trim brakes to minimize the risk of injury while maintaining the ride’s thrill factor.
  • Enhanced restraint systems: Exploring the use of more advanced restraint systems that provide greater support and protection for riders.
  • Redesign of high-G force elements: Considering modifications to the ride’s track layout to reduce the intensity of G-forces in certain sections.

3. Emergency Response and Medical Support

The speed and effectiveness of emergency response can be critical in mitigating the consequences of a ride incident.

  • On-site Medical Services: Universal Orlando Health Services performed CPR on Zavala on the platform next to the ride’s tracks.
  • 911 Response: The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it received no 911 calls related to the incident, likely because riders must secure loose items in lockers before riding.
  • Defibrillators: Having readily available defibrillators could be life saving.

Potential Changes:

  • Enhanced medical training for ride operators: Providing ride operators with more advanced medical training to enable them to respond effectively to emergencies.
  • Improved communication systems: Ensuring that ride operators have reliable communication systems to quickly alert medical personnel in the event of an incident.
  • Strategic placement of medical equipment: Positioning medical equipment, such as defibrillators, in close proximity to high-risk rides.

4. Oversight and Regulation

Florida’s major theme parks, including Universal Studios, conduct their own inspections and self-report injuries to the state. This system of self-regulation has come under scrutiny in light of the Stardust Racers incident.

  • Self-Regulation: Universal conducts its own inspections of the rides due to having more than a thousand employees, which exempts it from state inspections.
  • Transparency: Theme parks have to report injuries every quarter.
  • Tyre Sampson Act: The Tyrie Sampson Act, signed in 2023, deals with permits and inspections for rides but may need to be strengthened.

Potential Changes:

  • Independent Safety Audits: Implementing a system of independent safety audits conducted by qualified third-party inspectors.
  • Increased State Oversight: Strengthening the FDACS’s regulatory authority over major theme parks.
  • Federal Involvement: Establishing a federal agency to oversee the safety of roller coasters and other extreme rides.

Legal Ramifications and Potential Lawsuits

The death of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala has significant legal ramifications. His family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, signaling their intent to pursue legal action.

  • Wrongful Death Claim: Families considering legal action after a fatal accident at Universal must prove four essential elements of negligence to succeed in a wrongful death claim.
  • Duty of Care: Universal owed a duty of care to keep guests reasonably safe while using their attractions.
  • Breach of Duty: Plaintiffs must prove Universal breached this duty through action or inaction, such as inadequate maintenance or insufficient safety warnings.
  • Causation: Families must demonstrate that Universal’s breach directly caused or substantially contributed to their loved one’s death.

Conclusion: A Call for Prioritizing Safety

The Stardust Racers tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the theme park industry. While thrill rides like roller coasters offer excitement and entertainment, they also carry inherent risks. By implementing the changes discussed above, theme parks can take meaningful steps to mitigate these risks and ensure that guests can enjoy these attractions with greater confidence in their well-being.

The investigation into Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s death is ongoing, and it is crucial that all parties involved work together to uncover the truth and implement necessary safety improvements. The future of theme park safety depends on it.