Man Dies After Riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe: What We Know

A tragic incident occurred Wednesday night at Universal Epic Universe, the newest theme park in Orlando, when a man in his 30s died after riding the park’s high-speed Stardust Racers roller coaster.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, off-duty deputies at the theme park responded to a “man down” call a little after 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Deputies found the guest unresponsive shortly after he exited the roller coaster. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Officials confirmed that the man did not fall off the ride. However, the exact medical cause of his death has not yet been determined. The case is under active investigation, and further details will likely come from the medical examiner’s report.

In a public statement, Universal Orlando Resort expressed condolences to the man’s family and friends:

“We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation.”

The Stardust Racers roller coaster has remained closed since the incident while authorities and Universal conduct internal reviews.

The Stardust Racers is one of the headline attractions at Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025. Marketed as Universal’s longest roller coaster, it features a “dueling” track design that pits two trains against each other while reaching speeds of up to 62 mph. Its combination of speed, length, and immersive theming has made it a central draw for the park’s visitors.

Although officials clarified that the victim did not fall from the ride, questions remain about whether pre-existing health conditions, ride intensity, or safety protocols may have played a role. In similar cases, investigations often look into:

• Whether the rider had known health risks (such as heart conditions) that may have been triggered by the high-speed ride.
• If proper safety warnings were posted and communicated by staff.
• Whether Universal and its ride operators followed all safety regulations in place under Florida law and amusement industry standards.

If it is determined that negligence in ride operation, safety precautions, or medical response contributed to the man’s death, his family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. However, if the death was caused solely by a pre-existing medical issue unrelated to ride safety, Universal may not face liability.

This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with thrill rides, particularly for guests with underlying health issues. While roller coasters are heavily regulated and inspected in Florida, incidents like this highlight the importance of clear health and safety disclosures for riders.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the medical examiner’s office. Universal is expected to keep Stardust Racers closed until a full safety review is complete.