When Epic Universe opened earlier this year, Stardust Racers was one of the coasters many of us couldn’t wait to ride. It was fast, beautiful to look at, and delivered that mix of thrills and storytelling we love. But now, the ride sits silent — and for the saddest of reasons.
Earlier this month, 32-year-old Kevin Rodríguez Zavala died after riding Stardust Racers. Kevin had been living with a spinal cord atrophy condition since birth and used a wheelchair, but his family has said he was independent and had no medical restrictions that would have stopped him from riding. He was also a theme park fan like so many of us — someone who didn’t let physical challenges define what he could experience.
The Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s office determined that Kevin’s death was caused by “multiple blunt impact injuries” and classified the manner of death as an accident. Universal and state inspectors both reported that the coaster was functioning as intended, with no mechanical malfunctions detected.
Still, that hasn’t closed the matter. Kevin’s family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is pushing for answers — and not just routine ones. They want Universal to release ride data, maintenance logs, inspection records, and video footage so outside safety experts can study exactly what happened. Their position is clear: this wasn’t simply about a pre-existing condition, but about what went wrong during the ride experience itself.
What happens next?
Right now, Stardust Racers remains closed with no reopening date. Before guests ride again, the coaster will likely go through a deeper round of inspections, audits, and maybe even design or restraint adjustments. Advocates are already calling for a closer look at how restraint systems and coaster dynamics interact with riders of different body types and medical conditions.
Universal has said it is fully cooperating with investigators and remains committed to guest and team member safety. But many fans, myself included, think this is also a moment for transparency. Sharing technical information and allowing outside experts to weigh in would go a long way toward rebuilding trust and showing that lessons are being learned.
A community in mourning
For those of us who love theme parks, this hits hard. We don’t just come for rides — we come because of the joy, the escape, and the sense of community these parks create. Losing a guest — especially someone like Kevin, who loved these experiences just as much as we do — is a reminder that the magic we chase can sometimes collide with very real risks.
Already, fans and advocates are uniting online, honoring Kevin’s memory and stressing that accountability and compassion must go hand in hand. His family has launched a fundraiser to cover memorial costs, and many are rallying behind them with messages of love and support.
This tragedy isn’t just about one coaster or one park. It’s about the responsibility the entire industry has to make sure that all guests — regardless of health conditions, body type, or ability — can ride safely. And it’s about remembering Kevin Rodríguez Zavala not only for what happened on Stardust Racers, but for the passion he carried into the parks we all love.
The coaster will one day roar again. But when it does, I hope it does so with changes, transparency, and lessons that ensure no family has to endure this kind of loss again.
