Orlando, FL – A 30-year-old man died Wednesday (June 17) after experiencing a medical emergency following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Worldwide Orlando Resort’s newly opened Epic Universe, authorities said. The man was found unconscious after exiting the ride and transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Universal Orlando Resorts released a statement saying the company is “devastated” by the “tragic event” and extends condolences to the visitor’s family. “We are fully cooperating with Orange County authorities and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed,” the statement read.
The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Stardust Racers is described as a high-speed roller coaster reaching up to 100 km/h.
This incident is one of 12 reported at Orlando theme parks – including Walt Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld – in the latter half of this year. Cases have included a 78-year-old woman losing consciousness on a children’s carousel and an 87-year-old woman passing out after riding the Dinosaur attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
As Epic universe’s opening in May, three incidents have been recorded. A 63-year-old man reported dizziness and an altered state of consciousness in May, and a 47-year-old woman experienced visual disturbance and numbness after riding Stardust Racers. A 32-year-old man also reported chest pain after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Services.
Florida law requires theme parks to report injuries and deaths to the state, even while maintaining their own internal inspection and safety protocols.
