Report Details Fatal Accident on Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe
A newly released sheriff’s report outlines the events surrounding the death of a guest on Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
The incident occurred in September and prompted multiple investigations. Authorities have ruled the death accidental and found no criminal wrongdoing.
Updated Accident Details
Facebook: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, while riding Stardust Racers, a dueling roller coaster in the Celestial Park area of Epic Universe.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Zavala died from “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
OC Register
As the coaster entered its first major descent, witnesses said Zavala was thrown forward. His head struck the seat in front of him multiple times.
There was blood from his injuries on his girlfriend, Javiliz Cruz-Robles, who attempted to hold him back and screamed for help.
Universal
Dr. Anna Marshall, a physician visiting the park, was waiting in line and told deputies she heard screaming when the ride returned, then ran toward the vehicle.
She said the ride staff appeared “frozen.” Zavala was unconscious with one leg clearly broken.
“Dr. Marshall continued to try and see if she could feel a pulse, first on his arm and then on his neck, which she could not find one,” the report states.
Emergency Response
Universal
Other witnesses said Zavala was slouched over and unresponsive when the ride stopped. His arm hung over the side of the vehicle. Emergency responders reported “a significant amount of blood loss.”
It took about 10 minutes for responders and staff to release the lap bar restraining him. Investigators later observed “a significant amount of blood on the chair and the bar in front of the chair.”
Zavala was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Cruz-Robles was described as “visibly shaken, crying, and stated she was having panic attacks.”
Orange county
The sheriff’s office concluded the death was accidental. “Because it was determined that no criminal acts occurred in this case, this concludes the Orange County Sheriff’s Office role in this case.”
Cruz-Robles told investigators that staff needed “multiple times” to secure the lap bar. She said the restraint showed “in the green,” but felt too low on his body. Surveillance video showed Zavala appeared “engaged and well” at launch.
Universal Orlando temporarily closed the ride after the incident and reopened it on Oct. 4 with updated safety guidelines and signage.
The park now states guests using wheelchairs or mobility devices must be able to walk independently to ride Stardust Racers and select other attractions.
Universal’s internal review found ride systems “functioned as intended.” Equipment remained intact, and staff followed procedures, according to a memo from resort president Karen Irwin. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services agreed with those findings.
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Article Source/ Feature Photo: Orlando Sentinel
