Overview
- A video first highlighted by Orlando Theme Park Zone shows a Jurassic World VelociCoaster rider slumping and pretending to be unresponsive during the ride, with no injuries reported.
- The renewed attention follows the September 17 death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala on Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, which the medical examiner attributed to multiple blunt impact injuries.
- Universal closed Stardust Racers for roughly three weeks and reopened it with updated procedures, clearer warnings, and a rule requiring guests who use mobility devices to walk independently to ride.
- Ride manufacturers and independent engineering experts reported the Stardust Racers systems were functioning properly after inspections, even as legal and public scrutiny persisted.
- Disability advocates and accessibility experts criticized the tightened eligibility rules as exclusionary and urged adaptive accommodations, while commentators emphasized guest responsibility and compliance on thrill rides.