Nearly a year after a fatal incident shook confidence in Stardust Racers, Universal Orlando Resort finds itself defending against yet another lawsuit tied to the Universal Epic Universe roller coaster, this time involving a minor child's injuries.
Death on Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers opened alongside Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, but the ride's early momentum was overshadowed by tragedy just months later. On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was discovered unconscious after riding the coaster. A medical examiner attributed his death to “multiple blunt impact injuries,” though the investigation found no criminal wrongdoing involved. Zavala, who relied on a wheelchair due to a spinal injury, was known as a dedicated roller coaster enthusiast who had ridden countless thrill attractions previously without any problems.
Zavala's family pursued legal action against Universal Orlando Resort, which ultimately resulted in a confidential settlement in December 2025. In response, Universal revised its safety policies for Stardust Racers and several other thrill rides, now requiring guests who use mobility devices to board independently on foot rather than receiving physical assistance during transfers.
That wasn't the only legal trouble the ride has faced. Universal Orlando Resort has confronted multiple lawsuits alleging negligence connected to the coaster's design, maintenance, operation, and oversight.
A New Case Emerges
Now, roughly a year after Zavala's death, Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides, the company behind Stardust Racers' design and construction, are named in a fresh lawsuit filed by a mother claiming her minor son lost consciousness and suffered injuries while riding the coaster. The incident reportedly took place on October 13, 2025, just nine days after the attraction reopened following Zavala's death.
Jennifer Lundy filed her complaint on August 17, 2026, alleging her son, referred to only as “L.L.” in legal filings, lacked proper head, neck, or upper body restraint when he lost consciousness due to forces experienced during the ride. Lundy claims this absence of support led to injuries affecting her son's head and face, along with orthopedic and spinal damage that required immediate medical attention once he exited the coaster. She described the injuries as “severe and permanent.”
The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages, with Lundy asking Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides to cover her son's ongoing medical treatment. She contends that Universal Parks & Resorts had an obligation to “operate and control” the ride in a “reasonably safe condition” and to warn guests if the attraction posed any safety risks.
The case has since been transferred to federal court as of September 18.
No Response From Universal Yet
Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides have not issued any public comment regarding this latest lawsuit. Stardust Racers remains open and operating at Universal Epic Universe, continuing under the updated safety guidelines put in place after Zavala's death.
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