A man died Wednesday after riding Stardust Racers, a new roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, a Universal spokesperson confirmed to NBC News.
The man, who was in his 30s and has not been publicly identified, was found unresponsive on the ride. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Universal.
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” the Universal spokesperson said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation.”
The cause of death has not been determined. The District 9 Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct an examination Thursday and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating, per NBC News.
About Epic Universe and Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers, located in Celestial Park at Epic Universe, remained closed Thursday morning. The dual-launch coaster sends two trains racing side by side at speeds up to 62 mph, climbs 133 feet and spans 5,000 feet of track. It also features an inverted crisscross element called the “Celestial Spin,” according to Universal Orlando.
Epic Universe, which opened in May, is Universal’s newest theme park and the company’s largest expansion in decades. Announced in 2019, the project was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming construction in 2021. The park includes lands such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
