A guest at Epic Universe has died following a ride on Stardust Racers late Wednesday, according to Universal Orlando and Orange County Fire Rescue Department officials.
Universal Orlando’s newest theme park opened its doors earlier this year, in May, the first for Orlando in over 25 years. Here’s what we know about the incident as of Sept. 18.
Was there a death at Epic Universe? What we know so far
Yes. According to officials, an adult male guest in his 30s was visiting the park on Wednesday night and became unresponsive “after” riding the Stardust Racer roller coaster. It was also confirmed that the guest did not fall from the attraction.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department said the guest was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
No other specific information about the guest or incident was released.
Where is Epic Universe located?
Epic Universe is located at 1001 Epic Boulevard in Orlando.
It’s located at Universal’s new South Campus, approximately 15 minutes away from Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, which features dining, retail, and entertainment.
What is Stardust Racers?
Florida Theme Park Rides – The USA TODAY Florida Network was invited to be among the first to visit Epic Universe before it opens to the public next month. One of Celestial Park’s rides is Stardust Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that hurls you across the cosmos
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster located in the Celestial Park section of Epic Universe. Not only does this coaster go upside-down (many times), but it reaches 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in the air and runs along 5,000 feet of track.
The beginning of the coaster features two powerful launches, with another one toward the end of the ride. The two tracks glide between each other many times throughout the ride, including during the “Celestial Spin.”
Is Stardust Racers still operating?
The ride was closed following the incident. Universal Orlando has not shared if the coaster will continue to be closed.
Statement from Universal on the death at Epic Universe
Universal Orlando sent a statement to USA TODAY on Thursday morning.
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Epic Universe death reported after ride Stardust Racers
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