Universal Orlando Resort is once again facing legal action tied to Stardust Racers, the Universal Epic Universe coaster already linked to a wrongful death lawsuit just months after its grand opening.
A Ride With a Troubled History
Stardust Racers debuted alongside Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, but the attraction’s reputation took a dark turn months later. On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unconscious following a ride on the coaster. A medical examiner later determined Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries,” though investigators ruled out any criminal activity in connection with his death. Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to a spinal injury, was reportedly an avid roller coaster enthusiast who had previously ridden numerous thrill attractions without incident.
Zavala’s family filed a lawsuit against Universal Orlando Resort following his death, a case that was ultimately settled under confidential terms in December 2025. In the aftermath, Universal updated safety protocols for Stardust Racers and several other thrill rides, now requiring guests using mobility devices to walk independently when boarding vehicles rather than relying on physical assistance for transfers.
That case was far from the only legal action tied to the ride. Universal Orlando Resort has faced multiple lawsuits alleging negligence in the design, maintenance, operation, and overall control of Stardust Racers.
A New Lawsuit Targets Stardust Racers Again
Now, Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides, the company responsible for designing and building Stardust Racers, face another lawsuit — this time from a mother claiming her minor son lost consciousness and sustained injuries while riding the coaster. The incident reportedly occurred on October 13, 2025, just nine days after the ride reopened following Zavala’s death.
Jennifer Lundy filed her complaint on August 17, 2026, alleging that her son, identified only as “L.L.” in court documents, had no head, neck, or upper body restraint or support when he lost consciousness due to forces generated during the ride. According to Lundy, this lack of adequate support resulted in injuries to her son’s head and face, along with orthopedic and spinal injuries requiring immediate medical attention once he exited the attraction. Lundy described her son’s injuries as “severe and permanent.”
The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages, with Lundy requesting that Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides cover her son’s medical treatment. She argues that Universal Parks & Resorts had a responsibility to “operate and control” Stardust Racers in a “reasonably safe condition” and to alert theme park guests whenever the ride posed safety concerns.
The case has since moved to federal court as of September 18.
Where Things Stand Now
Neither Universal Orlando Resort nor Mack Rides has issued a public statement regarding this latest lawsuit. Stardust Racers remains open at Universal Epic Universe, continuing to operate under the updated safety requirements implemented following Zavala’s death.
Have you ever been on Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe? Tell Disney Dining about your experience in the comments.
