State Inspectors Confirm Universal's Rip Ride Rockit Functioned Properly During Fatal Incident

In a somber development following a tragic incident, state inspectors have officially corroborated Universal Orlando's findings, confirming that the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster was operating correctly when a guest died earlier this year. This alignment of investigative conclusions shifts the focus of the ongoing inquiry towards understanding the specific health circumstances of the victim.

The incident occurred on February 13, 2024, when 52-year-old Sergei Utkin, a New York resident, collapsed while riding the towering roller coaster.

Despite the immediate closure of the attraction for a thorough review, Universal Orlando maintained from the outset that initial assessments indicated the ride itself was fully functional. This stance has now been reinforced by an independent state investigation.

Universal spokesman declined to release details about Mr.

Utkin, citing privacy. Preliminary reports, however, had suggested that Mr. Utkin may have suffered a heart attack during the ride. While this remains an unconfirmed detail, the official cause of death awaits the public release of the medical examiner's full report, which has yet to be finalized.

The Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is one of Universal Studios Florida's prominent attractions, known for its imposing 167-foot height and speeds reaching up to 65 miles per hour.

A unique feature allows riders to choose a song to accompany their journey. Safety guidelines for the ride stipulate a minimum height requirement of 51 inches, a standard procedure across amusement parks designed to ensure rider safety.

Under Florida law, permanent amusement rides are subject to state inspections twice annually.

However, major theme park operators such as Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Busch Gardens operate under a 'self-insured' status. This designation allows them to conduct their own inspections, though the state reserves the right, and often exercises it, to investigate any incidents involving injury or death, as was the case with the Rip Ride Rockit tragedy.

The findings from this state investigation underscore that, from a mechanical and operational standpoint, the ride was not at fault in the unfortunate passing of Mr. Utkin.