A lawsuit has been filed against Universal Orlando Resort following a distressing incident involving a young boy on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe. The complaint, lodged by Jennifer Lundy, claims her nine-year-old son, referred to as L.L., lost consciousness during the ride on 13 October 2025. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures at the popular attraction.
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According to the lawsuit, Lundy and her son were enjoying a day at the park when L.L. rode the roller coaster, which reportedly reaches speeds of up to 62 mph and ascends to heights of 133 feet. Despite meeting the safety requirement of being 48 inches tall, L.L. allegedly lost consciousness due to the intense forces exerted by the ride. Lundy contends that there was insufficient restraint to support her son’s head and neck, leading to severe injuries.
The legal documents state that while L.L. was unconscious, he suffered blunt impact injuries to his head and face, as well as resulting orthopedic and spinal injuries. Lundy claims to have evidence from an on-ride camera capturing L.L. in an unconscious state during the ride, which has been included in the suit. This footage is said to illustrate the lack of adequate safety measures on the attraction.
The lawsuit identifies both Universal City Development Partners and the ride’s manufacturer, Mack Rides, as defendants. It asserts that these parties were, or should have been, aware of the dangerous conditions associated with the ride, referencing a tragic incident that occurred just weeks prior. On 17 September 2025, a 32-year-old man named Kevin Rodriguez Zavala lost consciousness while on the same attraction and was later pronounced dead, with the Medical Examiner declaring the cause of death as multiple blunt impact injuries.
As a follow-up to Zavala’s death, his family sought the expertise of attorney Ben Crump, who led an independent investigation. Reports later indicated that an “amicable resolution” was achieved with the park, resulting in an undisclosed settlement. The circumstances surrounding both incidents have prompted alarming reactions and raised questions regarding the safety protocols in place at Stardust Racers.
Lundy’s lawsuit is seeking damages exceeding £50,000, not including court costs and legal fees. Her attorney, Nicholas Spetsas, has stated that this is just one of several lawsuits arising from incidents linked to the Stardust Racers. He argued that the ride’s association with not only injuries but also a fatality is indicative of a troubling pattern, rather than mere coincidence.
Responding to the lawsuit, Universal has argued that L.L.’s parents were negligent in their failure to ensure his safety and that they voluntarily accepted the risks involved in thrill rides. Their legal representatives claimed that L.L. was fully aware of the dangers associated with the attraction, including the forces exerted during the experience.
The lawsuits have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant atmosphere of Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe. As incidents of this nature come under scrutiny, it raises broader questions about the safety of amusement park rides and the responsibility of operators in ensuring guest safety.
As this case progresses through the legal system, both the outcomes of Lundy’s complaint and the concerns raised by previous incidents will be closely monitored by the public and safety regulators alike. Universal Orlando Resort and Mack Rides have yet to issue comprehensive statements regarding the ongoing legal matters, but the implications of these lawsuits are likely to have lasting effects on public perception and operational protocols at the theme park.