A tragic incident occurred at one of America’s newest amusement parks when a man in his 30s died after riding a rollercoaster, as reported by Florida officials.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated that the man was unresponsive after experiencing the coaster at Universal Epic Universe on Wednesday, September 17. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared deceased. The reason for his loss of consciousness has not been disclosed yet.
Universal Orlando Resorts inaugurated the park in May, which reportedly involved an investment of around $7 billion for its development.
This park features five themed areas and includes a 500-room hotel. It is the first significant traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999, following the launch of Universal Islands of Adventure. In 2017, Universal also introduced Volcano Bay, a themed water park in Orlando.
In response to this unfortunate event, the park released a statement.
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,” the statement read, according to The Independent.
“The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones.
“We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Universal Studios Orlando first opened in 1990, functioning as both a working studio and an entertainment hub. The complex, which includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, attracts about 10 million visitors annually.
In 2019, the company announced plans for a fourth park, aiming to make it the ‘most immersive and innovative’ they had ever designed.
Epic Universe, the latest addition, is the first major theme park to debut in Orlando in 25 years, officially opening on May 22 of this year.
The park includes 11 new attractions, one of which is the Stardust Racers, where the incident took place.
According to the Universal website, the ride is described as: “Share a race across the cosmos on Stardust Racers, a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph.
“Board a comet and rocket to the furthest reaches of the stars, at heights up to 133 feet along 5000 feet of track. Race along an inverted crisscross, known as the ‘Celestial Spin’ in a dazzling display of blazing colours and ethereal music.”
The ride will remain closed pending the completion of the investigation by law enforcement.