Stardust Racers Reopens at Global’s epic Universe After Fatal Accident Inquiry
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The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida reopened to guests on Saturday evening, following a two-week closure prompted by the death of a rider. The reopening comes after investigations by both Universal Orlando and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) steadfast the ride functioned as intended and the incident was accidental.
The Incident and Initial Findings
On September 17, 2023, Kevin Zavala, a 32-year-old resident of Kissimmee, Florida, was found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy revealed Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries,” but also noted he had a pre-existing spinal condition. Despite this, his family described him as independent and an avid enthusiast of rides and roller coasters.
Universal’s internal investigation, detailed in a letter to employees from park leadership, concluded that the roller coaster “functioned as intended” and that “equipment was intact” during Zavala’s ride.
Concerns Raised and Official Investigations
Following the incident, attorney Ben Crump, representing Zavala’s family, called for greater government oversight in the investigation of the ride. Crump’s office reported receiving multiple complaints regarding the safety restraints on Stardust Racers, suggesting this tragedy may not have been isolated.
The FDACS investigated the incident and, on September 22, 2023, released a statement concurring with Universal Orlando’s findings. Investigators from both FDACS and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were on-site on September 19th. The FDACS noted that Universal had been “extremely cooperative and has complied with all required notifications.” https://www.fdacs.gov/
policy Changes and Reopening
In a letter to Universal employees on Friday, October 4, 2024, park leadership reiterated that safety is their top priority. The letter announced that, following the investigations, the ride had been deemed safe to reopen, but with updated operational procedures and signage.
“We are updating operational procedures and attraction signage to reinforce existing ride warnings and physical eligibility requirements at Stardust Racers and other rides,” the letter stated. Thes changes aim to further clarify ride requirements and safety facts for guests.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of Stardust Racers marks the end of a period of scrutiny for Universal’s Epic Universe. The park will likely continue to emphasize its commitment to safety as it moves forward, and the implemented policy changes will be closely monitored to ensure guest well-being.