A week after a man died after riding Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe, a woman is suing for injuries she says she sustained while riding the roller coaster.
Sandi Streets filed a negligence lawsuit against Universal City Development Partners Ltd. on Sept. 24 in Orlando, seeking damages exceeding $50,000.
The USA TODAY Network reached out to Universal for a comment on the lawsuit.
There is currently a state investigation into Stardust Racers after Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died after being found unresponsive on the roller coaster. An autopsy found Rodriguez died of “multiple blunt impact injuries,” and the manner of death was an accident, according to the chief medical examiner for Orange and Osceola counties.
Initial investigations by both Universal and state regulators indicate the ride functioned correctly.
Orlando-based WKMG reported on Sept. 23 that “there have been two other health incidents connected with the ride since it first opened: a 63-year-old man who experienced dizziness, and a 47-year-old woman who had a ‘visual disturbance.'” Citing state records, the station noted the guests rode the coaster on separate days and both had pre-existing conditions.
Why is Universal Orlando being sued?
According to the complaint obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Sandi Streets was invited to Epic Universe on April 30, weeks before it officially opened to the public on May 22.
While on Stardust Racers, the complaint says, Street’s “head shook violently and slammed into the seat’s headrest throughout the ride,” causing permanent injuries. She says the ride failed to secure her head properly.
The complaint also claims that Universal failed to operate the ride in a reasonably safe condition and did not provide sufficient warnings about the ride.
“At all times material hereto, Defendant had a duty to adequately warn the public, including Plaintiff, of unsafe and unreasonably dangerous conditions of which it knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known about,” the complaint states.
Universal has stated that it prioritizes safety.
What is Stardust Racers and where is it located?
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch racing coaster located in the Celestial Park section of Epic Universe.
How fast does Stardust Racers go?
Stardust Racers reaches speeds of 62 mph, rises to 133 feet in the air, and runs along 5,000 feet of track.
Family speaks out after coaster death: What they want before the ride reopens
The Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe features two tracks that race each other.
What are the physical requirements to ride Stardust Racers?
According to Universal Orlando’s website, guests riding Stardust Racers:
Should be able to independently: (1) maintain an upright position, (2) support your torso, neck, and head while absorbing sudden and dramatic movements, and (3) brace your body with at least one natural upper extremity.
When seated, both natural legs must, at a minimum, terminate below the ankle. No prosthetic limbs.
Must be able to take a small step into the ride vehicle compartment, either independently or with assistance from a companion.
There is also a height requirement, which is a minimum of 48 inches (4 feet).
Is the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala suing Universal Orlando?
Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, of Kissimmee died after being found unresponsive on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers roller coaster after riding it on Sept. 17. His family set up a GoFundMe to cover the funeral and memorial expenses.
The family has not, as of Sept. 26, filed a lawsuit. Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Rodriguez Zavala’s family, said during a press conference that his firm is conducting an independent investigation and demanding answers.
Crump said the family said it is seeking complete transparency into Rodriguez’s death and what the theme park is doing to prevent this from happening again. They stressed that Rodriguez’s spinal disability did not cause his death and that just because there was no malfunction on the ride, it doesn’t mean there weren’t any safety issues Universal needed to address.
As for whether they’d pursue litigation, Crump said that it was “up to Universal.”
Is Stardust Racers still operating?
No. The ride was closed after the incident on Sept. 17 and has yet to be reopened. The family of Rodriguez Zavala is requesting that it remain closed pending a thorough investigation into what happened.
“The attraction remains closed as we continue to work through a comprehensive review process in cooperation with the ride manufacturer of record,” Universal Orlando Resort President and COO Karen Irwin said in a letter to team members. “Safety is, and always will be, at the forefront of everything we do.”
Mack Rides, which made the dual-launch coaster, told the USA TODAY Network that it’s actively supporting the investigation and is in close contact with Universal and authorities.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Woman sues Universal over injuries on same ride after another man died