A young man has died after riding what’s been dubbed the most ‘thrilling’  rollercoaster at one of Florida’s newest theme parks.

On Wednesday night, emergency services were dispatched to Universal Studios’ Epic Universe theme park in Orlando in response to a ‘man down’ incident involving a visitor who had just experienced the popular Stardust Racers roller coaster, as reported by WESH News.

Stardust Racers, a thrill coaster known for its dual-launch system, accelerates passengers to speeds of 62mph with rapid descents and tight curves along a compact course. The theme park describes the ride as simulating the experience of soaring on a comet through the cosmos.

Upon arrival, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office discovered 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala unconscious, as detailed by Click Orlando 6 News.

He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. 

Zavala’s cause of death remains undetermined and authorities have since launched an ‘unusual death investigation’ to determine what happened.

What’s known at this time is that he did not fall from the ride, according to Click Orlando 6 News.

Following the tragedy, the park announced that Stardust Racers would remain closed on Thursday, though the rest of the park stayed open to the public. 

A young man died after riding what’s been dubbed the most ‘thrilling’ rollercoaster at Universal Studios’ Epic Universe theme park in Orlando – one of Florida’s newest theme parks (pictured)

On Wednesday evening, authorities were called to the theme park after receiving a ‘man down’ call involving a guest who had just ridden the popular Stardust Racers coaster (pictured)

When deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene, they found 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead (pictured: officers on the scene) 

‘Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,’ a spokesperson for the theme park told WESH.

‘We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,’ they added.

‘We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.’

Epic Universe is ‘compromised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created,’ according to an NBC Universal news release. The park only opened in May.

The park features five themed lands and a 500-room hotel, making it the first major theme park to open in the Sunshine State since 1999, when Universal’s Islands of Adventure debuted. 

Stardust Racers has quickly become one of the park’s most popular attractions, hailed as Universal’s most thrilling coaster with unique maneuvers along 5,000 feet of track. 

Reaching speeds of up to 62 mph, the ride also climbs to heights of up to 133 feet, according to the attraction’s website.

The dual trains ultimately race ‘along an inverted crisscross, known as the ‘Celestial Spin,’ in a dazzling display of blazing colors and ethereal music.’

Stardust Racers (pictured), a high-speed dual-launch coaster, propels riders to 62mph through sudden drops and sharp turns in a compact track – specifically designed to mimic the sensation of riding a comet through space

Zavala’s cause of death remains undetermined, but authorities have since launched an ‘unusual death investigation’ to determine what happened. What’s known at this time is that he did not fall from the ride (pictured: forensics on scene)

It remains unclear whether Zavala had any pre-existing or known health conditions that may have contributed to the fatal event (pictured: Epic Universe)

Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride and can choose between two coaster tracks – yellow or green. 

However, warnings posted at the entrance advise riders to assess their suitability based on individual abilities – guidelines that were updated just months ago in April.

Depending on the ride, warnings may include restrictions for guests with heart conditions, high blood pressure, expectant mothers and other health concerns. 

It remains unclear whether Zavala had any pre-existing or known health conditions that may have contributed to the fatal event. 

Theme parks across Florida – including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando – have reported a range of injuries in the second half of 2025.

In April, a 76-year-old woman fell and injured her leg while exiting Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park, as reported by People.

Then, in May, an 87-year-old guest with pre-existing conditions lost consciousness after riding Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Just a month later, in June, a 44-year-old man experienced right arm pain while visiting the Liberty Bell attraction.