A man has tragically passed away after riding a Universal theme park roller coaster.
On Wednesday night (September 17), the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said off-duty deputies responded to a “man down” call shortly after 9PM at the park.
According to NBC Miami, deputies arrived at the scene and found a man in his 30s unresponsive. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officials clarified that the man, who has not been identified yet, did not fall from the ride. The cause of death has not been released.
Universal releases statement
Universal Orlando Resort confirmed the horrific incident in a statement shared to several publications.
“On Wednesday night, a guest was unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died," the resort said.
"We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest's loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed," they added.
Footage from the park taken by news outlet WESH 2 News showed law enforcement officers and forensic teams at the scene following the incident.
Investigation ongoing
Epic Universe is Universal's newest and fourth theme park in Florida.
It features five distinct themed "worlds" such as Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released further details about what caused the guest to become unresponsive.
For now, the Stardust Racers, which is located in Celestial Park, will remain closed as officials investigate.
The Stardust Racers ride has been one of the resort’s most anticipated attractions since the park opened to the public in May 2025.
The dueling dual-launch coaster lets riders “race across the cosmos” on 5,000 feet of track, climbing to heights of 133 feet and reaching speeds of up to 62 mph.
Universal describes the attraction as featuring a dazzling “Celestial Spin” inversion set to lights and ethereal music.
“Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track,” reads the park’s official description.