News Guest dies, found unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers

[JT3000]

His comment was pointing out you got NO explanation on the original restrictions... which is the same explanation you got for the new ones. NONE and you are expected to accept it.

I'm aware. That's what I was questioning.

One should start with.. do you know they aren't? Or just assuming for lack of news? It's also relevant that they are in different countries with different regulations and controls. Maybe UNI is moving to be more restrictive than the mfg.. which is possible. Given they applied criteria to multiple different rides at the same time, it's a fair assumption that all those companies didn't update mandatory requirements in unison... but that doesn't mean they were not necessarily consulted.

Do you know they are? Let's start there, since I asked first. The countries in which these rides were installed is included in the list. Several of them are located in America. I think it's highly likely that Universal is being more restrictive then the manufacturers, but people have been quick to blame the manufacturers without any evidence.

 

[flynnibus]

Do you know they are? Let's start there, since I asked first. The countries in which these rides were installed is included in the list. Several of them are located in America. I think it's highly likely that Universal is being more restrictive then the manufacturers, but people have been quick to blame the manufacturers without any evidence.

I'm not saying they did or didn't change -- because I haven't done the homework. But I'm also not the one trying to draw conclusions about it... so I dunno why you are bringing up that as a cite if you really don't know one way or another.

The logic is the rules are published w/o detailed explanation - you don't need any extra 'buy in' or 'logic' to accept that. That is the norm and convention for rides. But I find the argument disingenuous regardless.. we're not talking about random ride restrictions. We're talking about a response to an incident and open concerns left dangling... not 'new ride, whats the deal with these restrictions?'

On your second point.. the manufacturer has obligations and liabilities that are there regardless of what UNI was doing. In most cases the manufacturer sets the baseline. If the operator defines something MORE restrictive, ok.. but to be less restrictive is a big no-no. And the idea that 'you shouldn't die...' is a pretty easy expectation to be covered by the manufacturer's baseline.

 

[My95cobras]

Why is that "detailed explanation" good enough? Why are you so quick to accept the alleged irrelevance of your opinion at face value? And what's an "mfg?" Manufacturer?

This is a list of Gerstlauer Sky Flies currently in operation, the same ride type and manufacturer as Dragon Racer's Rally at Epic Universe.

https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Sky_Fly_(Gerstlauer_product)

How many of these rides are now operating under the same new policy as Universal's? And for any that aren't, why not? If it's supposedly the manufacturer's criteria, then it's only logical that it be applied across the board to all of their rides of the same type, yes? If Universal and the manufacturer have made the correct decision, what good reason could any of these other parks possibly have not to comply?

What do you believe universal owes you?

The answer is nothing…. You’re asking a Private entity to entitle you to benefits you’re not owed.

 

[Jon81uk]

Of course a death in their park doesn't sound good, it's literally the worst thing that can happen on their property, but that hasn't stopped many from already hearing about it. We're on a 63-page thread talking about it.

Forum users are not average park guests. If you went into Epic Universe and talked to guests a large number won't even be aware of the incident, let alone expecting explanations on it. Even those who might have seen the story on the news will likely just consider that the ride was closed and checked and is safe to ride as it is now open once again.

 

[flynnibus]

What do you believe universal owes you?

The answer is nothing…. You’re asking a Private entity to entitle you to benefits you’re not owed.

A private entity who needs the public trust and confidence to have a business... and to keep the politicans from adding more regulation to them. UNI giving a middle finger to everyone because they CAN doesn't mean they SHOULD.

 

[lewisc]

Sharing details regarding the reasons for establishing, and updating, conditions for riding would be a mistake. A significant number would have an issue. Not restrictive enough to be safe. Too restrictive, possible ADA.

I'm not sure if whining posters think the new restrictions are too limiting or not enough.

Contact Universal. Posting here won't do anything.

Technically guests riding Splash Mountain and Spaceship Earth are responsible to walk down a lot of steps, if the ride has to be evacuated. Unofficially fireman will carry you.

Eventually some details will be released via FOI requests.

 

[flynnibus]

I'm not sure if whining posters think the new restrictions are too limiting or not enough.

"whining posters"? Yeah, I guess you got that going for you...

JT3000's comments were very clear - that they've changed the restrictions on multiple other rides w/o any explanation. Others then retorted 'why should they' or 'you aren't owed that' or worst.. responses like
"They made the appropriate policy amendments in response to the incident, and that is that. They do not owe the public any comment other than the ones they’ve already given."

Which is basically an argument of "You will get what we give you, only we decide what is appropriate". It's literally taking UNI's position at face value because there is nothing to support it as 'appropriate policy amendments' except for the knowledge that UNI did it.

All these defenses also miss that UNI hasn't actually said anything. People reported on UNI's INTERNALLY COMMUNICATIONS. UNI has very much kept the lid tight on everything about this incident - not just to the public, but to the victim's family too. Pay attention to all the reporting - the source of all information is the memo to employees and what was independently observed.

All UNI has done is actions - not any explanations beyond what they said literally days after the incident.

 

[Disstevefan1]

they've changed the restrictions on multiple other rides w/o any explanation.

Do they need to explain? Kevin died on Stardust. I think no explanation needed.

 

[Tom Morrow]

I don't fully understand why Forbidden Journey and Monsters Unchained were included in the list of rides with these updated restrictions. But beyond that, the reasoning for the other rides is pretty obvious to me.

 

[lewisc]

I don't fully understand why Forbidden Journey and Monsters Unchained were included in the list of rides with these updated restrictions. But beyond that, the reasoning for the other rides is pretty obvious to me.

Ride evacuation procedures might be a reason for the update.

An ADA complaint might get an explanation.

 

[Jon81uk]

Eventually some details will be released via FOI requests.

Freedom of Information Act only applies to government agencies not private companies.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

What do you believe universal owes you?

The answer is nothing…. You’re asking a Private entity to entitle you to benefits you’re not owed.

I own CMCSA shares. Do they owe me anything? Or do they also owe me nothing?

 

[lewisc]

Freedom of Information Act only applies to government agencies not private companies.

Autopsy report and possible state inspection (review incident report)

 

[My95cobras]

A private entity who needs the public trust and confidence to have a business... and to keep the politicans from adding more regulation to them. UNI giving a middle finger to everyone because they CAN doesn't mean they SHOULD.

If you think this is a business giving you the middle finger, you must be living under a rock.

 

[My95cobras]

I own CMCSA shares. Do they owe me anything? Or do they also owe me nothing?

Is this rhetorical, or do you actually want to know?

And what they are doing is what you are owed.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

Is this rhetorical, or do you actually want to know?

And what they are doing is what you are owed.

Posters have incorrectly stated that Comcast (which owns Universal) is a “private” company. This is incorrect. It is not a privately held company, it is a publicly held company, and does owe certain duties of transparency as a result.

 

[lewisc]

Posters have incorrectly stated that Comcast (which owns Universal) is a “private” company. This is incorrect. It is not a privately held company, it is a publicly held company, and does owe certain duties of transparency as a result.

Private vs government.
Posters know Comcast is a publicity traded company. It's possible a footnote disclosing possible litigation might be required.

 

[Jrb1979]

Posters have incorrectly stated that Comcast (which owns Universal) is a “private” company. This is incorrect. It is not a privately held company, it is a publicly held company, and does owe certain duties of transparency as a result.

They don't owe anyone anything regardless if they are a publicly held company. Outside of places like here, this story is barely talked about. Most have moved on.

IMO a lot of is, many here aren't coaster lovers and want to know it's safe.

 

[Dizknee_Phreek]

I saw a Reddit post recently from someone who says they were riding in front of Kevin and his girlfriend. I have no idea if it's true, but the explanation of events seemed specific enough to make me feel like it's truthful.

I won't post the link to it here because I'm not entirely sure it's allowed, and because the story gets slightly graphic (those parts of the post are hidden so you can skip them if you want). But it was in a Universal Epic Universe group and the post was titled "Stardust Racers Story" if anyone wants to search for it (post created by user itsallcharliework).

For me one of the more interesting details was apparently the girlfriend screaming "his mom is going to kill me". Which to me would indicate maybe the mom wasn't in favor of him riding? But also could mean a number of things, so who knows.

 

[TalkToEthan]

girlfriend screaming "his mom is going to kill me".

***Assuming it true***


did girlfriend encourage him to ride knowing there’s an inherent danger compared to other riders; is there something she knew or felt should have known that plays into this????

did girlfriend promise Mom that she would discourage him from riding Stardust or any other aggressive attractions????

did girlfriend do something that she shouldn’t have done????



***again, assuming story is true and accurate***