Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California has permanently retired its X2 roller coaster following a series of lawsuits alleging that riders suffered serious brain injuries after using the attraction.
The Valencia-area theme park announced Tuesday that the ride would not reopen. X2 had been operating for nearly two decades and was one of the park’s best-known attractions.
Six Flags President Brian Oerding said the coaster had repeatedly passed safety inspections and tests, but the company decided to permanently close it after concerns surrounding guest safety and confidence.
“Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business,” Oerding said in the announcement.
Ride Closed After Two Medical Emergencies
X2 had already been closed since July 12 after two women reportedly required emergency medical treatment following rides on separate occasions within the same week.
One of the women, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, reportedly collapsed shortly after getting off the coaster. Doctors found extensive bleeding in her brain that required emergency surgery.
According to her family’s lawsuit, Greer-Wilkinson remains in a vegetative state and requires a ventilator. Her attorneys have alleged that the ride caused her injuries.
The attorneys have also said that more than 100 people have reported alleged brain injuries connected to X2 during the past two years. They said the permanent closure will not prevent existing or future legal claims.
Wrongful-Death Case Was Recently Settled
The park’s decision comes shortly after Six Flags settled a wrongful-death lawsuit involving Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old man who died after riding X2 in 2022.
Hawley was taken to a hospital after experiencing severe bleeding in his brain following the ride. The medical examiner determined that his death resulted from blunt head trauma.
The lawsuit filed by his family was settled in late August, shortly before the case was scheduled to go to trial.
More Lawsuits Filed Against Six Flags
Three additional lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries were filed against the park in September.
The claims have increased scrutiny of the attraction and prompted continued attention from state workplace and safety authorities.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health opened an investigation following the July incidents. The investigation remains ongoing.
Six Flags has maintained that X2 passed numerous safety checks before the decision to retire it.
X2 Was Known for Its Unusual Design
The roller coaster was originally introduced in 2002 as X and was promoted as the world’s first “fourth-dimension” roller coaster.
It was relaunched in 2008 as X2 after receiving new trains and additional special effects.
Unlike conventional roller coasters, X2’s seats rotate independently, allowing riders to spin forward and backward while the train travels along the track.
According to the park, the attraction reached speeds of approximately 76 mph and stretched for about 3,610 feet.
The ride also featured two “raven turns,” which combine inverted sections with steep drops.
Closure Does Not End Legal Claims
Attorney Gary Dordick, who represents Greer-Wilkinson’s family, said the decision to remove X2 from operation would protect future visitors but would not resolve claims involving people who say they were already injured.
The lawsuits will continue to determine liability and damages based on the individual allegations and available evidence.
For now, one of Six Flags Magic Mountain’s most recognizable attractions has been permanently removed following years of popularity and growing legal scrutiny over alleged injuries.