Tragic Incident at New Orlando Theme Park
A guest at Universal's Epic Universe theme park in Orlando, Florida, died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, after becoming unresponsive while riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The man, identified by the Orange County Sheriff's Office as being in his 30s, was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released.
Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the 'tragic event' and stated its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The theme park expressed its devastation and extended 'sincerest sympathies to the guest's loved ones.'
Stardust Racers Attraction Closed Amid Investigation
The Stardust Racers roller coaster, a prominent attraction within Epic Universe's Celestial Park, has been closed indefinitely following the incident. The circumstances surrounding how the guest became unresponsive are currently unknown, and the cause of death is under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
The Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and climbs to heights of up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track. It was one of the highly anticipated rides at Epic Universe, which officially opened in May 2025, marking the first major theme park opening in Florida in over 25 years.
Previous Medical Incidents on the Ride
Prior to this fatality, Universal Orlando had reported two other medical incidents on the Stardust Racers since its opening. In July 2025, a 63-year-old man experienced 'dizziness/altered state of consciousness,' and a 47-year-old woman reported 'visual disturbance/numbness' after riding the coaster. Both individuals, who reportedly had pre-existing medical conditions, required hospital stays of at least 24 hours. Theme parks in Florida are mandated to report such incidents if they result in a hospital stay of 24 hours or more.
Park's Response and Community Impact
The incident has cast a somber mood over the newly opened theme park. Universal's official app has marked Stardust Racers as 'Temporarily Closed,' with no estimated reopening date. Authorities and park officials continue to gather information as the investigation proceeds.
7 Comments
Michelangelo
How many warnings do they need? Close the ride permanently!
Donatello
My heart goes out to the family. So incredibly sad.
Raphael
It's easy to jump to conclusions and blame Universal, especially with previous incidents reported. However, we must remember that a full investigation is underway, and until then, speculating on the exact cause of death is premature, though the park must ensure maximum safety.
Habibi
Universal needs to be held accountable for this. Unacceptable negligence.
Bermudez
The park's response of closing the ride and cooperating is appropriate, showing they care about their guests. Yet, the pattern of medical issues on this specific coaster suggests there might be an inherent design flaw or a need for more stringent health advisories.
Michelangelo
It's truly heartbreaking for the family, and Universal's quick closure shows they're taking it seriously. However, the previous medical incidents are definitely concerning and raise questions about the ride's impact on certain individuals.
Donatello
My deepest sympathies to the family; it's a terrible accident for anyone to experience. But it's also true that millions ride coasters safely every year, and pre-existing conditions can unfortunately turn a fun day into a tragedy, though the park still bears responsibility for safety.