5 lawsuits filed against Universal and Mack Rides over Stardust Racers injuries
Updated: 10:54 PM EST Dec 18, 2025
Five new lawsuits have been filed against Universal and Mack Rides by individuals who claim they suffered injuries while riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, alleging negligence in the ride’s design, operation, maintenance, and control.Attorney Nicholas Spetsas filed the suits, with each plaintiff claiming that while riding Stardust Racers, their heads shook violently and repeatedly due to improper restraint of their head, neck, and spine, resulting in severe and permanent injuries.The injuries listed in each lawsuit include severe neck pain, paralysis, disability, mental anguish, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.Universal settled with the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died after riding Stardust Racers in September.The terms of the settlement are not public. Despite the agreement, Universal and Mack Rides maintain that the roller coaster functioned properly in Zavala’s case.The Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s final report also concluded there was no negligence on Universal’s part.Spetsas said his clients hope their actions will spark change. He anticipates more lawsuits in the future.WESH 2 reached out to Universal and Mack Rides for comment, but has not heard back.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Five new lawsuits have been filed against Universal and Mack Rides by individuals who claim they suffered injuries while riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe, alleging negligence in the ride’s design, operation, maintenance, and control.
Attorney Nicholas Spetsas filed the suits, with each plaintiff claiming that while riding Stardust Racers, their heads shook violently and repeatedly due to improper restraint of their head, neck, and spine, resulting in severe and permanent injuries.
The injuries listed in each lawsuit include severe neck pain, paralysis, disability, mental anguish, and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life.
Universal settled with the family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died after riding Stardust Racers in September.
The terms of the settlement are not public. Despite the agreement, Universal and Mack Rides maintain that the roller coaster functioned properly in Zavala’s case.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office’s final report also concluded there was no negligence on Universal’s part.
Spetsas said his clients hope their actions will spark change. He anticipates more lawsuits in the future.
WESH 2 reached out to Universal and Mack Rides for comment, but has not heard back.