‘We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,’ Universal said.
A person became unresponsive on a roller coaster at the new Epic Universe theme park and then died at the hospital, according to media reports[1].
The incident occurred on Stardust Racers, the space-themed dual launch coaster that goes up to 62 mph and up to 133 feet in the air, per a description on Universal’s website[2].
WESH-2 reported[3] that the rider was an adult male.
“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night,” Universal said in a media statement obtained by the station.
“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 Orlando opened Epic Universe before Memorial Day Weekend with big fanfare as the first new theme park in Orlando in more than a quarter century.
Universal previously disclosed[4] two other medical issues on Stardust Racers since opening.
In July, a 63-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman both went to the hospital for at least 24 hours after riding Stardust Racers, according to the state injury theme park report.
The man reported feeling “dizziness/altered state of consciousness,” while the woman suffered a “visual disturbance/numbness,” the report said.
Both had a preexisting condition, but it’s unknown what the conditions were.
Florida’s theme parks are required to self-report visitors’ injuries and sicknesses that occur on rides if a person ends up in the hospital for at least 24 hours. The state’s system has less oversight compared to California’s, according to a 2020 Orlando Sentinel investigation[5].
Millions of people visit Orlando’s theme parks every year, but tragedy has occurred.
A 38-year-old man died from a heart attack[6] after riding the King Kong ride at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in 2019. People have also drowned at the water parks at SeaWorld, including a 13-year-old last year[7].
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References
- ^ according to media reports (www.cbsnews.com)
- ^ Universal’s website (www.universalorlando.com)
- ^ WESH-2 reported (www.wesh.com)
- ^ Universal previously disclosed (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ according to a 2020 Orlando Sentinel investigation (www.orlandosentinel.com)
- ^ died from a heart attack (www.orlandosentinel.com)
- ^ including a 13-year-old last year (www.orlandoweekly.com)