ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A man in his 30s has tragically died after riding the Stardust Racers at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe theme park. Medical examiner Joshua Stephany confirmed that the man suffered blunt impact injuries, which were ruled an accident following an autopsy performed on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday, as the guest was found unresponsive after his ride on the coaster. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Notably, the autopsy report did not provide specific details regarding the nature or location of the injuries sustained, leaving many questions unanswered.
Expert Opinions on the Incident
Dennis Speigel, the CEO and founder of International Theme Park Services, expressed his surprise at the autopsy’s finding, stating that it raises more questions than it resolves. “Was it the head or the chest? Was he securely in his seat? Could the incident have been caused by the ride or something the guest did?” Speigel queried, highlighting the complex nature of theme park safety.
Ride Details and Safety Measures
The Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster boasting speeds of up to 62 mph, as described by the resort. In the wake of the incident, Universal Orlando issued a statement expressing their devastation and offering condolences to the man’s loved ones. They further communicated their commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation while confirming the closure of the ride.
Precedents and Safety Regulations
Florida’s largest theme parks, including Universal and Walt Disney World, conduct their own safety inspections, bypassing state mandates that require smaller venues and fairs to be inspected. Nevertheless, they must report any injuries or fatalities to the state. In the second quarter of this year alone, there were multiple reports of guest incidents, including a 78-year-old woman who became unresponsive on a carousel at SeaWorld and an 87-year-old woman losing consciousness on a ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Recent Incidents at Epic Universe
Since the opening of Epic Universe in May, the park has reported several concerning incidents. In addition to the recent fatality, a 63-year-old man experienced dizziness and altered consciousness, and a 47-year-old woman faced visual disturbances and numbness following separate rides on the Stardust Racers. Additionally, a 32-year-old man reported chest pains after riding the Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.
Ongoing Investigation
Universal Orlando has stated that they cannot comment further on the ongoing investigation surrounding this tragic event. The community and families of theme park visitors remain hopeful for clarity as additional details emerge. The events underscore the importance of safety protocols in large theme parks, especially considering the unique challenges faced in monitoring guest safety on high-speed attractions.
