Full Breakdown
Six Flags Magic Mountain Retires X2 Roller Coaster Amid Growing Brain-Injury Lawsuits
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On July 12, 2026 Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent retirement of the X2 roller coaster. The ride has remained closed since that date while lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries and two deaths proceed.
Background & Context
X2 opened in 2002 as “X,” the first fourth-dimension coaster, and was refurbished in 2008 with rotating seats and “raven turn” inversions. Over two decades the coaster has been linked to several serious incidents, including the 2022 death of Christopher Hawley and the 2010 death of Hilda Farias.
Data & Statistics
- Riders: >16 million since 2008.
- Alleged injuries: Plaintiffs say more than 100 traumatic brain injuries in the past two years.
- Deaths: Two fatalities tied to the coaster in lawsuits.
- Legal actions: Three new lawsuits filed in September 2026, adding to earlier claims.
- Investigations: Cal/OSHA inspection underway; CNN identified over a dozen serious injury reports spanning two decades.
Official Statements & Responses
Brian Oerding, park president, said the closure reflects a commitment to safety. Six Flags declined further comment beyond confirming the shutdown and the ongoing Cal/OSHA inspection.
Criticism & Opposition
Plaintiff counsel argues the park’s safety assurances ignore design flaws that they say cause rapid acceleration-deceleration forces leading to brain trauma.
On-the-Ground Reports
Pamela Guillen, 40, rode X2 on July 5, 2026 and lost consciousness, later undergoing brain surgery and a two-week coma.
Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, rode six days later, suffered a massive intracranial hemorrhage and remains in a vegetative state.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Lawsuits allege design defects, but no court or regulator has formally determined causation. Six Flags points to past safety inspections; plaintiffs cite medical experts linking injuries to the ride’s forces. Cal/OSHA’s investigation is ongoing with no definitive findings released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Brian Oerding, Magic Mountain president
- “Everything went blank. My next memory is waking up in the hospital about two weeks later,” — Pamela Guillen
What’s Next
Cal/OSHA will decide if additional safety violations exist. Six Flags plans a new “Thrill Glider” coaster next year, but has not set a timeline for removing X2’s structure. Litigation is expected to continue as more claimants emerge.