A woman has taken legal action against Universal Orlando Resort, alleging that she suffered ‘permanent injuries’ after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe. The lawsuit came just one week following the tragic death of a man who rode the same attraction.
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Sandi Streets, the woman who has taken legal action, states in the lawsuit that she visited the park on April 30, before it was officially open to the public, as a “business invitee.” She claims that during her ride on Stardust Racers, her head experienced violent shaking and repeatedly slammed into the seat’s headrest throughout the duration of the roller coaster ride.
The Stardust Racers attraction, as advertised on the park’s website, can reach speeds of up to 62 miles per hour as riders navigate its 5,000 feet of track. The ride was opened to the public in May 2025 along with the rest of the Epic Universe theme park. The woman alleges that she has been left with permanent disabilities and impairments as a result of the incident, leading to significant medical expenses and loss of earnings.
Nicholas Spetsas, the attorney representing Sandi Streets, has not yet responded to requests for comments on the lawsuit. Similarly, Universal Orlando Resort has not issued a statement regarding the legal action.
The lawsuit surfaces just seven days after the tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was discovered unresponsive after riding the same Stardust Racers roller coaster on September 17. He was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Reports from the Orange-Osceola chief medical examiner, Joshua Stephany, revealed that Zavala suffered “multiple blunt impact injuries” leading to his untimely demise. The guest, who had pre-existing spinal cord issues and used a wheelchair, lost consciousness while seated at the front of the coaster’s last section.
Following the incident, an internal memo to employees indicated that the ride had “functioned as intended” and that staff members had followed proper procedures during the incident. State investigators from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also noted that their initial findings suggested that the roller coaster operated as designed.
In response to the tragedy, a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe was initiated to support Zavala’s family. The campaign has exceeded its initial target of $8,000, with over $28,000 raised as of September 26.
The legal actions and investigations surrounding the incidents at the Stardust Racers roller coaster point to the ongoing challenges faced by theme parks in ensuring visitor safety and addressing potential risks associated with thrill rides. As the legal process unfolds and investigations continue, the implications for theme park operations and visitor safety measures remain under scrutiny.