A man has died after riding a roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in Florida. Authorities in Orange County confirmed the man, believed to be in his 30s, was found unconscious on the Stardust Racers ride on Wednesday and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The incident has led to the immediate closure of the attraction as investigations continue.
The death marks a serious safety incident at Epic Universe, which opened in May as the first major traditional theme park launch in Florida since 1999. Universal Orlando Resorts said it is cooperating fully with county authorities and emphasized that the ride will remain closed while officials investigate.
Stardust Racers Ride Under Investigation
The Stardust Racers roller coaster is described on the park’s website as a dual-launch attraction reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h. It has now been shut down indefinitely following the fatality. “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the guest,” said a Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson. “We are cooperating fully with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Orange County Police confirmed the man was discovered unconscious on the coaster before being transported to hospital, where his death was confirmed on Thursday. Officials have not released further details about the victim or the specific cause of death.
Recent Incidents at Epic Universe
The death is the third reported incident at Epic Universe since its opening four months ago. Two of the incidents, including this week’s fatality, occurred on the Stardust Racers ride, while the other took place on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders attraction. The earlier cases did not result in fatalities, but they have raised questions about the safety record of the park’s newest rides.
Epic Universe represents a significant expansion for Universal Orlando, featuring five themed areas and a 500-room hotel. The project was heralded as the most ambitious new theme park in Florida in decades, adding to Universal’s lineup of Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Its opening was widely seen as a direct challenge to Walt Disney World’s dominance in the region.
Under Florida law, the state’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Disney, are exempt from state safety inspections. Instead, they conduct their own ride inspections and follow internal safety protocols. However, they are required to report any significant incidents to the state. The latest death is likely to bring fresh scrutiny to these self-regulation practices.
Universal’s Epic Universe had been promoted as a major draw for domestic and international visitors to Orlando, aiming to boost tourism in the state. The fatal incident on Stardust Racers, one of the park’s headline attractions, now puts pressure on both Universal and regulators to ensure visitor safety amid rising concerns about theme park oversight.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and no timeline has been provided for when the Stardust Racers ride might reopen. Universal has not announced whether additional safety reviews will extend to the park’s other attractions.
