A 32-year-old man died Wednesday from blunt impact injuries suffered while riding the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Epic Universe, a theme park at Universal Orlando Resort that opened in May.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, according to Orlando’s WKMG-TV.
Off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the park and found the victim unresponsive. He was taken to a hospital where he was then pronounced dead, according to Orlando’s WESH-TV.
Orange County Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany said Mr. Zavala suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” and that his death was an accident, according to Orlando’s WKMG-TV. He did not fall from the ride.
The Stardust Racers ride reaches heights of up to 133 feet and speeds of up to 62 mph across 5,000 feet of track.
In a statement, a Universal spokesperson said, “The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers … We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed,” according to WESH-TV.
