Man dies after rollercoaster ride

By Brooke Villanueva Published Sep 19, 2025 9:23 am

A man died after riding a rollercoaster at an amusement park.

NBC News reported that 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was discovered unresponsive at Universal's recently opened Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, following a rollercoaster ride earlier this week.

He was on Stardust Racers, which is described as "a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph" on the park's official website. "Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. Race along an inverted crisscross, known as the 'Celestial Spin in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music," its description also read.

Zavala was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, but was later declared dead.

Per the medical examiner, several blunt impact injuries caused his death.

A spokesperson for Universal, in a statement, said they "are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones."

Stardust Racers is temporarily closed as an investigation into the matter continues.

Epic Universe opened just a few months ago. Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic are among its attractions.