Executive Summary
- Mack Rides CEO Christian von Elverfeldt stated the Stardust Racers roller coaster “worked perfectly” during a fatal incident in September.
- Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died from multiple blunt impact injuries after riding the coaster at Universal Epic Universe on September 17.
- Universal Orlando Resort reopened the ride on October 4, stating it is safe and that rider requirements have been updated.
ORLANDO, Fla. – In his first public statements regarding a fatal incident at Universal Epic Universe, the CEO of Mack Rides, the German manufacturer of the Stardust Racers roller coaster, asserted that the attraction “worked perfectly.” The comments from CEO Christian von Elverfeldt were made during an interview at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, two months after a rider’s death.
On September 17, 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala sustained fatal injuries after riding the Stardust Racers coaster. According to the medical examiner’s report, Zavala died at a hospital from multiple blunt impact injuries. The incident prompted a state investigation into the ride’s operation and safety.
Speaking to WESH 2, von Elverfeldt expressed his condolences to the family but maintained the ride was not at fault. “I’m really sorry for this poor family and guy, but we don’t know yet what really happened,” he said. “We only know that the ride worked very well… All the specialists said the ride worked perfectly.” He further emphasized that safety is the “most important thing” for the company.
Following the incident, the Rodriguez Zavala family had requested that Stardust Racers remain closed pending further answers. However, Universal Orlando Resort resumed the coaster’s operations on October 4. In a statement, Universal affirmed that the ride is safe, that its employees followed all proper procedures, and that it had updated its rider requirements after the tragedy.