US man dies after riding roller coaster at new Florida theme park
Florida’s largest theme parks are exempt from state safety inspections and conduct their own inspections and have their own protocols
A patron at one of the nation’s newest amusement parks has died after riding a roller coaster there, Florida authorities said.
The man in his 30s was found unresponsive after riding the coaster at Epic Universe on Wednesday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The roller coaster involved is Stardust Racers, park officials said in a statement. It’s described on the park’s website as “a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62mph (100km/h)”.
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” a Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson said in a statement. “We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
No further details were immediately released early on Thursday.
Universal Orlando Resorts opened the park in May. It has five themed sections and a 500-room hotel.
