Overview

• Stardust Racers returned to operation on Oct. 4, 17 days after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died; the medical examiner ruled the death accidental from multiple blunt impact injuries.
• The Orange County Sheriff’s Office says its death investigation remains open, with records still being withheld pending the active probe.
• An internal technical and operational review found the coaster functioned properly and staff followed procedures, with the State of Florida observing and both Mack Rides and an independent coaster engineer validating the findings.
• Universal updated procedures and safety signage, adding stricter eligibility language that guests using mobility devices must be able to walk independently and tightening guidance that riders must independently support their bodies.
• The Zavala family and attorney Ben Crump condemned the reopening, demanded preservation of evidence and independent inspections, and pointed to prior injury complaints and a quickly settled lawsuit involving the ride.