The X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain will be permanently retired after dozens of riders reported brain injuries allegedly linked to the ride. Two riders in July required emergency brain surgery, and attorneys say their office has been contacted by more than 100 people claiming harm. Six Flags and the ride manufacturer previously settled a 2022 death claim, and additional lawsuits are pending. Park officials cited guest confidence and safety as reasons for the permanent closure.
Six Flags Permanently Retires X2 Roller Coaster After Multiple Brain-Injury Claims
A popular roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain is being permanently shut down after dozens of people claimed to have suffered brain damage while riding it (JUSTIN SULLIVAN)
Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced the permanent retirement of X2, its signature roller coaster, after dozens of riders reported brain injuries allegedly linked to the attraction.
The X2, which opened in 2008, is known for steep drops, abrupt twists and seats that rotate 360 degrees while cars reach speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h). The ride drew millions of enthusiasts over nearly two decades but was taken out of operation after multiple recent incidents.
Recent Injuries and Legal Action
In July, two riders suffered severe head injuries after using X2. On July 5, 40-year-old Pamela Guillen reportedly developed a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression and required emergency surgery in which surgeons removed part of her skull, her family told CNN. Less than a week later, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson of Los Angeles lost consciousness after riding X2 and also underwent emergency brain surgery; her parents say she remained in a coma for weeks and remained unable to speak or breathe without assistance.
The ride has been closed since shortly after the second July incident. On Tuesday, park president Brian Oerding said the park would retire X2 permanently.
"After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2," Oerding said. "While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it's the right thing to do. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."
Claims, Settlements And Ongoing Cases
Attorneys at Dordick Law, representing Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, said their office has been contacted by more than 100 people claiming injuries connected to X2. "The design of this ride makes it inherently dangerous, and makes it dangerous in a way that no reasonable rider would expect," attorney Christopher Bulone told reporters.
Six Flags, which operates parks across North America, declined to comment on pending litigation. In August, Six Flags and ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide Inc. reached a settlement with the family of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022. A separate lawsuit is scheduled for next year alleging that 56-year-old Sheila Katerelos sustained a traumatic brain injury on X2 in 2020.
The park's decision reflects a mix of safety considerations, legal exposure and concern about guest confidence. Investigations and litigation related to the ride continue.
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