Autopsy Reveals ‘Pretty Shocking’ Cause of Death for Man After Ride at Universal Orlando

A man who became unresponsive after riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park died from blunt impact injuries, the local medical examiner confirmed Thursday, as reported by The New York Post.

Joshua Stephany, the chief medical examiner for the Orlando area, said the man’s death was ruled accidental following an autopsy. The report did not provide specifics on where the injuries occurred.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was found unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe on Wednesday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Cause of death revealed for man who died after riding Universal’s Epic Universe roller coaster https://t.co/oaB4jKBRwy pic.twitter.com/MaFfZuGaa5

— New York Post (@nypost) September 19, 2025

Dennis Speigel, CEO of International Theme Park Services, called the results “pretty shocking,” and said the findings leave unanswered questions.

“Was it the head or the chest? Was he banging around? Was he in his seat properly? Was it an accident caused by the ride or him doing something?” Speigel asked.

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Universal officials confirmed the ride involved was Stardust Racers, described as a dual-launch coaster reaching speeds of up to 62 mph.

“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” a Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson said in a statement.

“We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”

The medical examiner’s office did not respond to additional requests for details on the injuries. Universal declined to expand beyond its initial statement due to the continuing investigation.

Epic Universe, which opened in May, is the first major traditional theme park built in Florida since 1999, when Universal’s Islands of Adventure opened. The new park includes five themed lands and a 500-room hotel, bringing the resort’s total number of parks to four.

Florida law exempts the state’s largest theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal, from direct safety inspections. Instead, those companies are responsible for conducting their own safety checks and protocols, though they must report all deaths or injuries to state regulators.

State records show that in the second quarter of this year, Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld Orlando reported a dozen incidents, ranging from older visitors losing consciousness on attractions to health-related emergencies.

Since Epic Universe opened, three separate incidents have been reported, including a 63-year-old man with a preexisting condition who experienced dizziness on Stardust Racers, and a 47-year-old woman with a preexisting condition who reported numbness and vision problems after the same ride. Another report involved a 32-year-old man experiencing chest pains after riding Hiccup’s Wing Gliders.

The investigation into the man’s death remains ongoing.

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