Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced the permanent closure of its X2 roller coaster, a decision driven by escalating concerns over rider safety and the emergence of legal claims linking the ride to severe brain injuries.
The Decision to Retire X2
In a recent operational update, Park President Brian Oerding confirmed that after nearly 20 years of operation, the park will officially retire the X2 roller coaster. This choice follows mounting legal scrutiny, particularly after a press conference held by Dordick Law Corporation, where three lawsuits were announced. These lawsuits claim that numerous riders have suffered serious injuries, including catastrophic brain damage, as a result of the attraction.
The law firm reported that over 300 individuals have come forward with complaints regarding injuries sustained on X2, with an additional 100 potential plaintiffs seeking representation for similar claims.
Legal Challenges and Safety Concerns
The X2 coaster closure comes amid significant legal pressure, particularly following a tragic incident involving 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in June 2022. His death, classified as an accident due to blunt head trauma, raised alarms about the coaster’s safety standards. Prior to the announcement of the closure, a settlement was reached with Hawley’s family, further intensifying scrutiny around the ride.
The ongoing legal battles intensified when Dordick Law Corporation filed new lawsuits detailing traumatic brain injuries suffered by riders. Among the plaintiffs is 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who collapsed after exiting the ride in July and now faces severe brain trauma. Another rider, Pamela Guillen, required emergency surgery weeks following her experience on the coaster.
Attorneys argue that experts in biomedical engineering have flagged the ride as inherently dangerous due to its intense forces and flawed design, which park officials acknowledged but did not address for years.
X2 opened in 2008 and quickly became one of the park’s major thrill attractions. However, on July 12, the decision was made to halt its operations, and after the legal announcements, Oerding officially confirmed the ride’s retirement.
Park officials emphasize their commitment to visitor safety, acknowledging a decline in public trust. Oerding stated, “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.”
In response to the announcement, Dordick Law Corporation expressed satisfaction with the closure but underlined it should have occurred much earlier. They reaffirmed their commitment to representing the injured and holding Six Flags accountable. Their statement urged anyone who experienced headaches or other symptoms following a ride on X2 to seek medical attention and contact their office.
As the park prepares to safely decommission the X2 structure, legal representatives continue to address claims from those who have suffered injuries, marking a challenging chapter for the popular theme park.
