Imagine this: you're strapped into a rollercoaster, the wind whips through your hair, and the ground disappears beneath you. Pure exhilaration, right? But what if that thrill came with a heavy dose of fear? 'America's most dangerous rollercoaster' is back, and it's sparking outrage and debate after a recent tragedy.
Just weeks after a 32-year-old man, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, tragically died from blunt-force trauma sustained on the Stardust Racers rollercoaster at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe, the ride reopened. Adrenaline junkies are already lining up, eager to experience the high-speed thrills, seemingly undeterred by the potential risks.
Stardust Racers, a towering 133-foot attraction known for its dual-launch system and intense speeds, had been temporarily shut down following Zavala's death on September 17th. The investigation revealed a horrifying detail: Zavala reportedly struck his head repeatedly against the coaster's metal bar from the very first dip and remained unconscious throughout the rest of the ride, according to his family's attorney.
But here's where it gets controversial... Universal Orlando, after conducting an internal review, declared the ride was "functioning properly" before the accident and reopened it on October 4th. This decision has been met with fierce criticism, particularly from Zavala's family.
Daily Mail captured exclusive photos of the reopened Stardust Racers in action. The images show fearless riders with hands raised, zipping across the tracks while park visitors stroll below. Some are even taking selfies with the coaster in the background, seemingly unfazed by the recent incident. The ride's intense speed – reaching up to 62 mph – is evident as it hurtles down steep drops.
And this is the part most people miss... Even the warning signs at the entrance, cautioning individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or other medical concerns, aren't deterring the crowds. Reports indicate that the wait times have been so long that many parkgoers have had to postpone their ride, choosing to come back another day rather than spend their entire visit in line. As one visitor, Luke Jenkins, noted, the line jumped to 150 minutes within just five minutes of the ride reopening.
One guest, who braved the coaster, described it as "probably one of the fastest I’ve been on so far," while also acknowledging that there are "a lot more requirements, yeah, to get on it" since its reintroduction.
However, Zavala's family views the reopening as a blatant disregard for his life and the safety of future riders. Their lawyer has even referred to the attraction as "evidence of an active death investigation." In a statement, Zavala's parents expressed their horror that Universal would resume operations so quickly, accusing the company of showing "great disregard for Kevin’s life, our family’s pain, and the safety of every rider who steps onto that coaster."
Beyond Zavala’s tragic death, there's a growing concern about the ride's safety record. Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump revealed that his office and Zavala's family have received numerous messages from individuals who claim to have sustained injuries on Stardust Racers. One woman recounted spine and neck injuries shortly after the ride's initial opening, while another filed a lawsuit against Universal last month, alleging injuries sustained on the coaster.
Here's where things get really interesting (and potentially controversial): Crump has questioned what actions theme park officials took after receiving these initial injury reports. He alleges that there were warning signs about the ride's design and that Universal may have tried to blame the victims.
One plaintiff, Sandi Streets, claims that the coaster's hip restraint left her upper body unsecured, causing her head to slam violently against the headrest throughout the ride. She alleges that this resulted in permanent neck injuries, severe headaches, and persistent neck pain. Crump argues that Zavala suffered a similar fate, ultimately leading to his death.
While Universal's safety guide states that Stardust Racers is "not for guests with back, neck [injuries] or similar physical conditions," Crump points out that Universal personnel assisted Zavala, who used a wheelchair due to a previous spinal injury, onto the ride. He argues that the company can't now blame the victim for his pre-existing condition.
Universal President and COO Karen Irwin maintains that the ride functioned as intended and that it underwent thorough inspections by park officials, state inspectors, the manufacturer, and a third-party engineer. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has also aligned its findings with those of the theme park.
Despite these assurances, Zavala's family's attorneys are collaborating with Universal to inspect the coaster and are awaiting surveillance footage from the ride. They are also advocating for greater oversight of large corporations like Universal and Disney, highlighting that Florida law exempts the state's two largest theme parks from mandatory safety inspections, unlike smaller venues.
Universal Orlando has expressed sympathy to Zavala's family and has implemented updates to procedures and reinforced signage for rider requirements. However, Stardust Racers continues to operate nightly, drawing crowds eager for a thrilling – but potentially dangerous – experience.
So, what do you think? Was Universal right to reopen Stardust Racers so quickly? Should theme parks be subject to stricter safety regulations, regardless of their size? And at what point does the pursuit of thrills outweigh the potential risks? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
