‘Help! Help!’: Witnesses recall horror on Stardust Racers as man dies at Universal theme park

Witnesses have spoken out after a tragic accident on a roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, that left one man dead. Emergency services rushed to the scene on Wednesday evening after the guest became unresponsive on the ride.

Officials identified the victim as 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and confirmed that an autopsy found he died from “multiple blunt impact injuries,” ruling his death an accident.

One witness, Maria Fernandez, who was riding Stardust Racers at the same time, described the moment to News 6. She said that once the ride finished, a woman began screaming, “Help! Help! Help!” She added that the other riders initially looked confused and couldn’t understand what was happening.

Fernandez said that when the ride came to a stop, security began guiding guests off. “He was slumped over, bleeding, and it looked like his leg was broken,” she recalled. “I don’t know if he was dead at that moment, but it seemed very serious.”

I deeply regret that someone lost their life yesterday on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe, the new Universal park. May they rest in peace. 🙏

Just last week I was there, rode it several times, and recorded the ride with my Ray-Ban Meta (with a safety strap,… pic.twitter.com/ZtbB7juXKB

— Santiago Giraldo 🇨🇴 (@SantiGiraldo176) September 18, 2025

Another guest, Tommy Italiano, who was waiting in line, also described the chaotic scene. “Out of nowhere, the ride attendant started screaming at the top of his lungs, ‘Everyone get out! Get off the coaster!’” he told FOX 35. Italiano said he saw Zavala “completely slouched over” in the ride’s restraints. A woman, reportedly a doctor, jumped over the queue fence to help.

Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster that reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and climbs to 133 feet. Since opening in May, it has been one of the most popular rides at Epic Universe.

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Universal Orlando released a statement expressing their devastation over the incident. “We are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” the statement read. The attraction remained closed on Thursday, September 18.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed that it is aware of the incident and has an investigator on site.

For more news, like The Tab on Facebook. Featured image via Patrick Connolly/TNS via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock.