Six Flags Magic Mountain announced Tuesday it will permanently close the X2 roller coaster, ending nearly 20 years of operation after a series of incidents involving severe brain injuries and a wrongful-death lawsuit settlement.
The decision follows the park’s temporary closure of the ride in July, prompted by two separate brain injury incidents within a week. Six Flags confirmed the closure in a statement from park President Brian Oerding, who cited the need to prioritize guest safety and public confidence despite the ride passing all safety tests.
Key developments:
- The ride has been closed since July 12 after two riders suffered life-threatening brain injuries within days of each other. One victim, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, remains in a vegetative state following emergency brain surgery.
- Six Flags recently settled a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old who died in 2022 after riding X2. His family’s attorney stated they were "relieved" by the closure but emphasized it "does nothing for the people who have already been hurt."
- A law firm representing over 100 alleged victims of X2-related brain injuries announced it would continue pursuing legal action despite the closure.
Park’s rationale and safety record
Six Flags Magic Mountain stated that while X2 "consistently passed a multitude of safety tests," the decision to retire the ride was made to address "guest confidence" and uphold the park’s safety standards. The park did not specify whether the closure was voluntary or influenced by regulatory pressure.
The X2 roller coaster, originally opened as X in 2002, underwent multiple closures and modifications over the years. It was renamed X2 in 2008 after design and structural adjustments, including replacing trains with lighter versions. Since its reopening, the ride has been operated by Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, and attracted over 16 million riders.
Legal and regulatory response
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) opened an investigation into the ride following the July incidents. The law firm Dordick Law Corporation, representing several plaintiffs, stated it had been contacted by hundreds of individuals alleging brain injuries linked to X2, with some requiring emergency surgery and others suffering permanent disabilities.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that the closure was "too late" for those already harmed, while acknowledging it would prevent future incidents. Anne Hawley, mother of Christopher Hawley, expressed relief at the closure but noted it came after years of advocacy.
Broader context and ride history
The X2 roller coaster was marketed as a "fourth-dimension" attraction, featuring seats that spin independently of the track to create a disorienting experience. Its history includes prior closures for design flaws and train replacements, though Six Flags has maintained that the ride met all safety standards throughout its operation.
The park has not announced plans for a replacement attraction or a timeline for removing the X2 structure. The closure marks the end of one of the park’s most iconic rides, which had long been a major draw for thrill-seekers.