A YOUNG thrill seeker has died after riding a roller coaster at Universal’s new Epic Universe theme park in Florida.
His shocking death occurred less than four months after Universal opened the Orlando park in May.
A Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson said the attraction was cooperating with officials[/caption]
The man in his 30s was found unresponsive after riding the coaster at Epic Universe on Wednesday, said the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando.
He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The roller coaster involved is Stardust Racers, according to park officials.
The ride is described on the park’s website as “a breathtaking, dual-launch coaster reaching incredible speeds up to 62 mph (100 kph).”
A Universal Orlando Resorts spokesperson added, “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones.
“We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
However, the ride appears to have since reopened, according to its website.
No further details were released early today.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed to CBS News that the visitor was a man in his thirties.
Florida’s largest theme parks are exempt from state safety inspections, unlike smaller venues and fairs.
Instead, the largest theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal conduct their own inspections.
Plus, they have their own protocols, but they must report any injury or death to the state.
Universal’s new park has five themed sections and a 500-room hotel.
It is the first major, traditional theme park to open in Florida since 1999.
That was the year that Universal Islands of Adventure debuted.
However, Universal opened a themed Orlando water park, Volcano Bay, in 2017.
