A visitor at Universal's Epic Universe theme park in Florida died after becoming unresponsive during a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, according to park officials. The identity of the guest has not been released pending notification of family members.
The individual was riding the dual-launch coaster when they became unresponsive. After the ride stopped, emergency personnel transported the guest to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
Universal Orlando Resorts expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, "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."
As a precautionary measure, the Stardust Racers ride will remain closed while the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducts its investigation. The sheriff's office has not yet provided details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Stardust Racers is a popular attraction at Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025. The ride features a 5,000-foot track, reaching heights of up to 133 feet and speeds of 62 mph. It allows guests to race against each other in a vibrant setting filled with colors and music.
The park is home to several themed areas, including Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The closure of Stardust Racers adds to the ongoing scrutiny of safety measures at amusement parks.