Full Breakdown
X2 Roller Coaster Lawsuits Highlight Brain Injury Claims at Six Flags Magic Mountain
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Lawsuits Accuse X2 of Causing Catastrophic Brain Injuries
Three lawsuits filed in California Superior Court allege the X2 coaster caused severe brain injuries. Plaintiffs—Pamela Guillen, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, and attorney Michael Wilk—claim the ride’s “rapid acceleration-deceleration events” led to intracranial bleeding and permanent disability. Dordick Law Corp. says it now represents more than 100 additional claimants. Six Flags closed X2 on July 12 and declined further comment pending litigation.
Background & Context
X2 opened in 2002 as the first “fourth-dimension” coaster, featuring rotating seats and head-first drops. A 2008 refurbishment added new trains and effects. A CNN investigation previously identified two rider deaths—including 22-year-old Christopher Hawley in June 2022—and multiple serious injuries linked to the ride. Prior settlements did not include findings of defect.
Data & Statistics
- Ride specs: 200-ft height, 76 mph top speed, 3,600-ft track, rotating seats.
- Fatalities: One confirmed death (Hawley, 2022).
- Serious injuries: CNN documented over a dozen hospitalizations; Dordick Law reports “more than 100” injured riders in the last two years, with another filing noting “approximately 400” individuals who have indicated injuries.
- Legal claims: Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain-and-suffering.
Official Statements & Responses
Six Flags’ website cites a “comprehensive safety program” with daily inspections, third-party audits and engineering reviews. A spokesperson confirmed X2 has been closed since July 12 and reiterated the policy of not commenting on pending litigation. Manufacturer S&S Worldwide declined comment.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Pamela Guillen (July 5, 2026): Collapsed after the ride, underwent emergency brain surgery, spent weeks in a coma and now experiences ongoing cognitive deficits.
- Naomi Greer-Wilkinson (July 11, 2026): Lost consciousness six days later, required multiple brain surgeries and remains bedridden on a ventilator.
- Michael Wilk (February 2026): Suffered a violent head impact, intracranial bleeding and two craniotomies; he now has chronic headaches, memory loss and cannot practice law.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Injury counts: Sources vary—“more than 100,” “approximately 400,” and “over 300” riders claim brain injuries. No definitive total exists.
- Liability findings: Six Flags and S&S assert the coaster meets ASTM standards; plaintiffs’ experts argue the forces exceed typical safety tests. The Hawley family settlement contained no admission of defect.
- Cause of injuries: Plaintiffs cite rapid acceleration-deceleration and head-rest collisions; Six Flags attributes incidents to pre-existing conditions and normal ride risks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These people went to Magic Mountain for some entertainment. For some family fun. And they suffered catastrophic brain damage,” — Gary Dordick, attorney
- “I was confused and disoriented, and I remember seeing the fear in my daughter's eyes and how scared she was,” — Pamela Guillen
- “The ride remains closed at this time. It has been closed since the evening of July 12. It is our policy not to comment on pending litigation.” — Gary Dordick, attorney