Stardust Racers Returns After Tragic Closure at Epic Universe: What You Need to Know

It’s been an intense past couple of weeks for Universal Orlando fans after the sudden closure of one of the park’s newest attractions. The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe has been under the microscope since its unexpected shutdown on September 17. The ride’s closure was triggered by a heartbreaking incident in which a guest passed away while riding.

On the fateful day, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who relied on a wheelchair for mobility, fell unconscious while on the ride. The coaster’s train returned to the station, and emergency services rushed in to perform life-saving measures. Tragically, Mr. Zavala was later pronounced dead due to “multiple blunt impact injuries,” according to the medical examiner’s report.

Related: Tragic Death Prompts Epic Universe to Shut Down Roller Coaster

His passing, under such shocking and devastating circumstances, sent shockwaves through the theme park community.

The incident, which caught the attention of both park officials and law enforcement, resulted in an immediate investigation. Universal Orlando quickly cooperated with authorities, with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) conducting a thorough inspection of the ride, a dual-launch coaster known for its high speeds and intense thrills.

Meanwhile, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office initiated a manslaughter investigation, as is standard protocol when a death occurs under unnatural circumstances at an attraction.

Related: The Fall of Universal Epic Universe as Damning Reports Surface After Tragedy

As the investigation continued, Universal reassured visitors that the ride systems were operating as designed on the day of the incident. Universal Orlando President and COO, Karen Irwin, emphasized that the attraction had functioned without issues leading up to the tragic event.

Despite the company’s assurances, the Zavala family, understandably shaken, demanded answers and urged that the ride remain closed until the investigation was complete.

Reopening Announcement Sparks Controversy

Now, after weeks of scrutiny and reflection, Stardust Racers is set to reopen, according to theme park insider Drew Smith.

NEW: Stardust Racers is planned to reopen tomorrow afternoon, October 4, at Universal Epic Universe.

NEW: Stardust Racers is planned to reopen tomorrow afternoon, October 4, at Universal Epic Universe. pic.twitter.com/cA6F8AXolV

— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) October 3, 2025

Related: Shocking Update: Lawsuit Over Epic Universe Headliner Already Settled

Not long after the reopening of Stardust Racers began circulating on social media, in a letter to team members, Ms. Irwin confirmed the attraction will reopen. 

Dear Team Members,

As one 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 very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took place.

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

Adding fuel to the fire, renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Mr. Zavala’s family, has been vocal about the risks. Crump, who’s continuing to push for a deeper investigation, claims that there were warning signs that the ride could be dangerous.

He also accused Universal of dismissing concerns in the past, pointing to a prior lawsuit filed by a woman who had allegedly suffered injuries on Stardust Racers earlier this year. That lawsuit was quickly settled, further fueling skepticism about the ride’s safety.

Despite the concerns, Universal insists it’s safe for guests to ride once again. The coaster’s extreme features, including speeds of 62 miles per hour and heights of 133 feet, remain unchanged, though there’s no doubt that the reopening will be closely watched by both fans and critics alike.

As the controversy surrounding the reopening of Stardust Racers continues, we want to hear from you. Do you think Universal should have reopened the ride so soon after the tragic incident, or is it too soon to take such a step? Do you agree with the concerns raised by the Zavala family and their attorney, or do you believe Universal’s investigation has cleared the attraction of any wrongdoing?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going as this important story unfolds.