Before that accident, people had formed many favorable memories about Big Thunder for decades. That is not to minimize the tragedy there or to justify it. But people didn't look at Big Thunder and first think: someone died there. But right now, hardly anyone has been on Stardust. If the trial or investigation drags out for a long time, Universal will need to weigh that all the coaster is doing during this period is reminding people that someone died on it. I'm sure Universal could re-open the coaster--maybe with changes to rider guidance or possible to the track, vehicles, or restraints themselves--but they'll need to weigh brand damage if they're looking at a long and drawn out process. Universal is not Six Flags. They're are trying to pivot more to a family audience--and this isn't helping. Ultimately it might be more centered on what most helps the park in the immediate future versus what they ultimately could do. Then again, this investigation might end up being a short process, though I do think the family's lawyer is going to try to keep this in the news until there's a settlement. But generally I think things, with investigations and a high profile lawsuit, are making this messier.
