Universal Orlando President: Stardust Racers at Epic Universe was in tact, 'functioned as intended'

Universal president issues letter after guest's death

A letter was sent out to employees from the Universal Orlando president following the death of a guest last week after riding an Epic Universe ride. FOX 35's Amanda Ruiz tells us more about what the letter said.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The President and COO of Universal Orlando has issued a letter to team members following the death of a 32-year-old man after riding the Stardust dueling roller coaster at Universal's Epic Universe theme park. 

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was at the park on September 17 when officials said he became unresponsive at some point during the Stardust ride. The medical examiner later confirmed Zavala's death was accidental due to blunt impact injuries. 

Dig deeper:

• Epic Universe guest becomes unresponsive, dies after riding Stardust Racers: Universal
• What is Stardust Racers?
• 'Everyone get out!': Guest dies after riding Epic Universe roller coaster
• Epic Universe death: Man identified, cause of death revealed; ruled 'accidental'
• List: Florida theme park injuries reported so far in 2025
• Kevin Rodriguez Zavala: Epic Universe guest remembered as 'truly one of a kind'

In a letter sent to employees on Sunday, and obtained by FOX 35 Orlando, Universal Orlando President and Chief Operating Officer Karen Irwin told employees that its investigation so far has revealed that the ride "functioned as intended" and that the equipment was intact throughout the ride.

You can read the letter in full below:

Dear Team Members,

In my 35 years with Universal, few moments have been as difficult as this one.

As you may know, on Wednesday evening, a Guest was unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, was transported to the hospital, and later sadly passed away.

Our hearts are with our Guest’s family and loved ones, and with all of you who have been impacted by this tragic loss.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, our Team Members, for the resilience, compassion and professionalism you have shown. I am proud of the way you supported one another and our Guests, while carrying out your responsibilities with care and excellence during an incredibly hard moment.

Our internal findings to date confirm that the ride systems functioned as intended, equipment was intact at the ride’s start, throughout the duration of the ride and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station, and our Team Members followed procedures. The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record. Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.

In the days ahead, please be mindful that this is an ongoing investigation. I ask that you continue to support each other and remember emotional support resources are available for you both in-person and virtually.

Thank you for living our values and the commitment you bring to our Guests and each other, especially in moments like this. Together we will continue to move forward with compassion, care and professionalism.

With appreciation and care,

Karen Irwin
President & COOUniversal Orlando Resort

The ride remains closed as the investigation continues.