Additional Coverage:
- Man dies from blunt impact injuries after riding coaster at new Florida amusement park Epic Universe (cnn.com)
Orlando, FL – A man in his 30s tragically died Wednesday after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the man was found unresponsive after exiting the ride and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy conducted by Orlando area medical examiner, Joshua Stephany, determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma. The death has been ruled accidental.
However, the medical examiner’s statement did not specify the location of the injuries. Further details have been requested, but no response has been issued yet.
Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, expressed shock at the autopsy report, stating that it generated more questions than answers. He questioned the nature and location of the injuries, whether the deceased was properly secured in his seat, and whether the incident was caused by a ride malfunction or rider error.
The Stardust Racers, described on Universal’s website as a “breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph,” remains closed pending an ongoing investigation. Universal Orlando Resort issued a statement expressing their devastation and offering condolences to the family.
They affirmed their full cooperation with authorities. Following the release of the autopsy report, Universal declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Epic Universe, which opened in May, is the first major theme park to open in Florida since 1999. It boasts five themed sections and a 500-room hotel, bringing the total number of parks at the Universal Orlando Resort to four.
Unlike smaller amusement parks, Florida’s major theme parks are exempt from state safety inspections. They conduct their own inspections and maintain internal protocols, but are required to report any injuries or deaths to the state.
Reports from major parks like Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld are not uncommon. Since Epic Universe opened, three incidents have been reported, including two previous occurrences on the Stardust Racers involving guests experiencing dizziness, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, and numbness.