ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) – A guest at Epic Universe died after riding one of its roller coasters on Wednesday night, a spokesperson for the park has confirmed.
In a statement shared with Nexstar, a Universal spokesperson confirmed the guest was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers ride in Epic Universe’s Celestial Park area. The guest ultimately died at a nearby hospital, the spokesperson said.
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” reads the statement. “We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation.”
An official with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office initially told Nexstar that the guest was an adult male “in his 30s” but did not elaborate on any medical events the guest may have experienced. The department later identified the deceased as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala.
“We have no further information for release at this time,” an OSCO representative said.
Universal Epic Universe opened in May 2025. The park features five themed worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Stardust Racers is located in Celestial Park, an area described as the hub or “heart” of Epic Universe.
The Stardust Racers attraction remained closed as of Thursday morning, Universal’s spokesperson said.
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