Stardust Racers is opening back up to the public.
The roller coaster at Universal Studios Orlando‘s new theme park Epic Universe has been closed for over two weeks following a rider passing away after going on the attraction.
Keep reading to find out more…
On September 17th, a 32-year-old male, identified as Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, died after sustaining “multiple blunt impact injuries,” according to the Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner, and his death was ruled an accident.
The roller coaster was shut down as an investigation was underway, with the park cooperating with authorities.
Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin revealed in a letter to employees that the coaster will officially reopen on Saturday (October 4), via People.
“As one Universal Orlando family, we continue to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rodriguez Zavala’s family and loved ones for their loss,” the executive wrote. “I am very grateful for the professionalism, compassion, and care our team has shown during and since this tragic event took place.”
She explained that a “comprehensive technical and operational review” was conducted and the park found the ride “functioned properly throughout the boarding process, the duration of the ride, and upon the ride vehicle’s return to the station.”
The park’s Safety and Accessibility Guidelines have also been updated to no longer include Stardust Racers as an attraction where team members will accommodate riders who use wheelchairs, per the Orlando Sentinel. In addition, Dragon Racers Rally and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which are also at Epic Universe, have also been updated in the safety guidelines, requiring riders who use mobility aides be able to walk on their own in order to go on the ride.
Stardust Racers’ “ride system manufacturer and an independent, third-party roller coaster engineering expert conducted their own on-site testing of the vehicle.”
“I am confident we will continue to deliver extraordinary guest experiences that make our Destination so special. Thank you for everything you do every day,” Karen Irwin concluded in her letter.
Stardust Racers is one of the main attractions at the theme park, which opened earlier this year, and is located in the Celestial Park section of the amusement park.
The ride is a “dual-racing launch coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies at speeds up to 62 mph,” and has been lauded by fans as one of the best coasters at all of the Universal Orlando Resort parks!
If you missed it, Universal Studios Hollywood is currently building a new roller coaster, and a new Universal park is in the works in the UK.
Source: justjared.com