Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Tampa Theme Park Accident

Florida is home to some of the most exciting theme parks in the world. The Tampa Bay Area is home to LEGOLAND and Busch Gardens, while the Sunshine State also hosts major attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios. While these theme parks can be exciting, they can also be dangerous. What if your loved one died in a theme park accident? Can you file a wrongful death lawsuit in Orlando?

Man Dies After Riding Roller Coaster at Universal Studios 

In September of 2025, the Tampa Bay Times reported that a man had suffered fatal injuries while riding a roller coaster at Universal Studios. The 30-year-old victim became unresponsive after riding the Stardust Racers coaster, and doctors pronounced him dead after his arrival at a nearby hospital. While the medical examiner has already ruled the death an “accident,” it remains to be seen whether his death could have been prevented with better theme park safety.

The roller coaster in question is capable of reaching speeds of 62 miles per hour. In the days since the accident, Universal Studios made the decision to close the ride while an official investigation proceeds. Some officials have voiced dismay at the lack of information from the medical examiner’s report. The specific cause of death and the nature of the victim’s injuries are not clear.

This accident occurred at Epic Universe, a new theme park that is part of the overall Universal Studios vacation destination. It opened in May of 2025, and this is undoubtedly the most serious accident at the theme park so far.

When Can a Fatal Roller Coaster Accident Lead to a Lawsuit?

You may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if you can prove that the theme park accident occurred due to negligence. In other words, did the theme park contribute to the accident in any way? If so, you may be able to hold them liable for the loss of your loved one.

For example, the seatbelt on the roller coaster may have come loose at a critical moment, causing your loved one to fall to their death. Perhaps staff members allowed your loved one to ride the coaster despite not being tall enough. Maybe your loved one was too heavy for the ride, and staff members failed to turn them away. You can discuss the possibility of a lawsuit in more detail with a lawyer.

Can an Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer Help Me? 

An Orlando wrongful death lawyer may be able to help if your loved one died in a theme park accident. Recent cases show that these fatal accidents are still quite common, and theme park owners should face accountability for failing to protect their guests. Your family members may be eligible to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, missed future wages, grief, and unpaid medical bills. Continue this conversation with Anderson & Anderson today.

Source:

tampabay.com/news/florida/2025/09/18/epic-universe-roller-coaster-death-orlando-florida/