RIDE FROM HELL

Woman Sues After Getting Hurt on Rollercoaster Where Man Died

At least four people have reported medical issues after riding the park’s new rollercoaster.

One of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attractions is at the center of several grizzly allegations. A woman who visited the Epic Universe theme park in April is now suing the resort, alleging a ride on its Stardust Racers rollercoaster left her with “permanent injuries.” Sandi Streets, who rode Stardust Racers as a “business invitee” before its official opening, alleges she “shook violently and slammed into her seat’s headrest throughout the duration of the ride.” She claims the resulting injury exacerbated a preexisting health condition and left her disabled. Her lawsuit comes less than two weeks after Florida man Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding Stardust Racers. Zavala, who had spinal atrophy and used a wheelchair, was riding in the last section of the rollercoaster when he was found unresponsive on September 17. The official Stardust Racers safety guidelines say guests with back injuries are not allowed to ride. However, the attraction does have accommodations for wheelchair users. An internal memo sent to park employees and later obtained by Good Morning America said the ride “functioned as intended,” and that “park employees followed procedures.” The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services concluded the same after an investigation. However, Zavala’s family cast doubt over this claim after a medical examiner determined his cause of death was “multiple blunt impact injuries.” The family’s attorney said Wednesday that his firm is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. State records show at least two other guests have reported medical issues after riding the high-speed rollercoaster since it opened on May 22, though both had pre-existing medical conditions. Stardust Racers has remained closed since Zavala’s death.

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