Universal Settles Lawsuit with Family Over Tragic Stardust Racers Incident

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who tragically passed away in September after experiencing the Epic Universe roller coaster known as Stardust Racers, has reached a settlement with Universal, as confirmed by the family’s attorneys.

On Saturday, a statement released by Ben Crump Law described the agreement as “amicable,” though specifics regarding the settlement are being kept confidential.

The family expressed their gratitude for the support they have received from the community and requested privacy during this difficult time, according to the statement.

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, aged 32, died on September 17 after riding the Stardust Racers, a roller coaster towering 133 feet at Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Epic Universe. He was found unresponsive in the ride’s restraint system and was declared deceased at the hospital.

The medical examiner’s report indicated that Rodriguez Zavala sustained “multiple blunt impact injuries,” categorizing his death as accidental. His legal team argued that there were issues with the ride’s restraints. Despite the family’s requests to keep the ride closed, Stardust Racers resumed operations with updated safety protocols less than three weeks following the incident.

[MORE: Incident report sheds new light on Stardust Racers death]