The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released details about the man who died after riding the Epic Universe roller coaster Stardust Racers, with new insights from a report and dispatch audio. The incident occurred Wednesday night, and the report highlights critical injuries and ongoing investigations.
- Man died after riding Stardust Racers
- Cause of death: blunt impact injuries
- Victim had a spinal injury, used wheelchair
- Ride currently closed for investigation
- Incident report and dispatch audio released
- Man was unresponsive, CPR performed on platform
According to the incident report, 32-year-old Kevin Zavala suffered a spinal injury and was unresponsive at the ride platform. Firefighters and Universal Orlando Health Services performed CPR before Zavala was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m. The report states Zavala had a laceration and was in a wheelchair, with the cause of death linked to multiple blunt impact injuries. The cause of these injuries remains under investigation. The report, along with dispatch audio, sheds new light on the tragic event, which led to the temporary closure of Stardust Racers. The incident was documented on September 20, 2025, at 00:27.
- Review safety protocols for high-impact rides immediately.
- Investigate the cause of Zavala’s blunt injuries thoroughly.
- Monitor ride conditions and operator procedures at Epic Universe.
- Keep the public informed about safety updates and ride status.
The incident underscores the importance of safety measures at theme parks. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Zavala’s death, which may lead to stricter safety protocols or ride modifications.
Further updates are expected as investigations progress, and the ride remains closed until safety checks are completed.
