A lawsuit filed by Jennifer Lundy alleges that her nine-year-old son suffered severe and permanent injuries to his face, head, neck, and spine after falling unconscious on Universal Orlando's Stardust Racers rollercoaster. The suit, initially filed in Orange County Circuit Court on August 17 and later moved to federal court, claims the boy's head and face were violently impacted against the ride's surfaces due to the powerful G-forces reaching up to 62 mph.
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred on October 13, 2025, during a visit to Universal Epic Universe. The boy, identified as L.L. and who was eight at the time of the ride, met the minimum height requirement of 48 inches. His mother had a reasonable expectation that the theme park's attractions would be safe, the suit states. A photo taken by the ride's on-ride camera, included in the court documents, reportedly shows the boy unconscious and slumped over in his seat.
The lawsuit names Universal Orlando and MACK Rides, the rollercoaster's manufacturer, as defendants, accusing them of negligence and seeking at least $50,000 in damages. It asserts that the Stardust Racers' lap bar restraint system is insufficient to support or protect the head or upper body. The suit also references the death of 32-year-old Kevin Zavala on the same rollercoaster on September 17, 2025, who was pronounced dead from blunt force injuries after losing consciousness. Zavala, who had a spinal condition and used a wheelchair, was reportedly covered in blood with a broken leg when removed from the ride.
Lundy's lawsuit contends that after Zavala's death, Universal closed the Stardust Racers for approximately two weeks but made no safety modifications. The ride reopened on October 4, about a week before L.L. rode it, with only updated signage and changed operational procedures, the suit claims. It further alleges that Universal received numerous rider complaints prior to L.L.'s incident, describing injuries, loss of consciousness, dizziness, disorientation, and nausea.
Universal Orlando has denied the allegations and demanded a jury trial. In its legal response filed on September 18, the company argued that L.L.'s parents were negligent in failing to ensure his safety and that they voluntarily assumed the risks associated with riding a thrill ride. Universal also claimed that L.L. had pre-existing medical conditions that caused his injuries. The company stated that if the parents are found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the injuries, it would not be obligated to pay damages.
Lundy's attorney, Nicholas Spetsas, criticized Universal's defense, stating that the company is blaming a mother and an eight-year-old. He asserted that Ms. Lundy followed all park rules, her son met the height requirement, and he was secured by park staff. Spetsas pointed out that Stardust Racers has no minimum age, no medical screening, and provides no warning about the potential for riders, especially children, to lose consciousness. He argued that parents cannot be expected to guard against dangers that the park fails to disclose. Regarding Universal's claim of pre-existing conditions, Spetsas noted that the park does not inquire about medical history before rides, and he maintained that the law holds companies responsible for injuries regardless of a victim's condition.