Roller Coaster CEO Addresses Fatal Incident on Universal Epic Universe Ride They Built

Roller Coaster CEO Addresses Fatal Incident on Universal Epic Universe Ride They Built

Christian Von Elverfeldt, the CEO of Mack Rides, which created the Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers coaster, recently addressed the tragic incident that occurred on the ride. The unfortunate incident led to the death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who was found unresponsive on the ride and later passed away in the hospital. Speaking to local Orlando news station WESH, Von Elverfeldt expressed his condolences to the family of Zavala and stated, “I’m really sorry for this poor family and guy, but we don’t know yet what really happened. We only know that the ride worked very well.”

The head of the roller coaster company responsible for creating the Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe, Christian Von Elverfeldt, highlighted that the company is still awaiting details on the sequence of events that led to the tragic incident. Despite the unfortunate outcome, Von Elverfeldt stressed that all specialists have confirmed that the ride functioned perfectly, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding Zavala’s death.

The fateful incident took place on Sep. 17 when Zavala, who had a pre-existing condition of spinal cord atrophy, lost consciousness while on the Stardust Racers ride. Witnesses recounted seeing Zavala’s head repeatedly banging on the headrest as the ride reached speeds of 62 mph and rose up to 133 feet. The Orange County medical examiner, Joshua Stephany, determined Zavala’s death to be accidental, caused by “multiple blunt impact injuries.”

Addressing concerns about ride safety and the company’s commitment to ensuring guest safety, the CEO emphasized, “Safety is, of course, the most important thing because there are human beings on our rides, and maybe 12 months, 10 hours a day. So, this is the most important for us.” The roller coaster, Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers, faced a temporary closure following the incident but reopened after an extensive review and testing by the manufacturer and third-party experts.

Universal Orlando Resort President and COO, Karen Irwin, expressed condolences to Zavala’s family and affirmed the theme park’s commitment to ensuring guest safety. The reopening of the Stardust Racers was accompanied by a comprehensive review and testing process to address any safety concerns and reassure visitors of the ride’s safety standards.

Epic Universe, the fourth park at Universal Orlando Resort, opened its doors in May 2025, offering visitors a range of themed lands to explore. The park features attractions such as Wizarding World — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. As visitors continue to enjoy the park’s offerings, safety remains a top priority for the management and operators.

As investigations into the fatal incident on the Stardust Racers ride continue, the theme park industry faces heightened scrutiny over ride safety standards and protocols. The collaboration between theme park operators, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities is crucial in maintaining the integrity and safety of attractions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In light of the tragic event at Universal Epic Universe, the roller coaster company Mack Rides and theme park operators are focused on enhancing safety measures and protocols to safeguard the well-being of all guests. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and diligence in ensuring the safety of thrill-seekers at theme parks around the world.

The roller coaster CEO’s statement underscores the ongoing investigation into the fatal incident and the industry’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing safety concerns. As visitors return to enjoy the exhilarating rides and attractions at theme parks, the emphasis on safety and guest welfare remains paramount to ensure a memorable and secure experience for all patrons.