Six Flags Magic Mountain Permanently Retires X2 Coaster Amid Brain Injury Litigation

Key points

• Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent retirement of its X2 roller coaster on September 30, 2026, after a temporary closure since July 12, 2026.
• The decision follows a surge in lawsuits alleging severe brain injuries, with over 100 people claiming injuries and at least two fatalities linked to the coaster over the past two decades.
• Park President Brian Oerding stated that while X2 passed safety tests, the closure was necessary due to declining guest confidence and a commitment to ride safety.
• Attorneys representing injured riders, including Gary Dordick, argue the closure is too late and are pursuing legal action for compensation, with some plaintiffs undergoing emergency brain surgery.
• The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) has an ongoing investigation into the ride, and the park has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit with the family of Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 after riding X2.

Background

The X2 roller coaster, originally opened in 2002 as X, has a history of safety concerns, including design flaws and prior closures. In 2007, it was closed to replace its trains with lighter versions and reopened in 2008 as X2. The ride has been a flagship attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain, known for its 360-degree spinning seats and unique design. Prior to the 2026 closure, the park had settled a wrongful-death lawsuit with the family of Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 after riding X2. The ride has also been linked to multiple hospitalizations and deaths over the past two decades, with a CNN investigation in August 2026 linking two July brain injuries to life-threatening traumas.

How outlets are covering it

Six Flags Magic Mountain emphasized that the closure was a proactive measure to protect guest safety and confidence, despite the ride passing safety tests. Park President Brian Oerding stated that ride safety is a cornerstone of their business and that they take guest confidence seriously. In contrast, attorneys representing injured riders, including Gary Dordick and Brent Wisner, argued that the closure is too late and does not compensate for the harm already done. Dordick Law Corporation stated that they had been contacted by about 400 people who alleged injuries, and Wisner Baum LLP called for legal reform and proactive regulation. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) has an ongoing investigation into the ride, and the park has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit with the family of Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 after riding X2. The Los Angeles Times reported that the ride has been linked to more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations over the last two decades, including the deaths of Hawley and Farias. CNN reported that two people suffered brain hemorrhages in July after riding X2, requiring surgical intervention.

Why it matters

The permanent retirement of the X2 roller coaster highlights the ongoing debate over theme park safety and the balance between operational risk and guest confidence. The surge in lawsuits and the involvement of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) underscore the need for proactive regulation and legal reform in the amusement park industry. The closure also raises questions about the long-term impact of safety concerns on the reputation and operations of major theme parks, and the potential for similar incidents to occur at other attractions. The case of the X2 roller coaster serves as a cautionary tale for the industry, emphasizing the importance of rigorous safety standards and transparent communication with the public.

What to watch

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) will continue its investigation into the X2 roller coaster, and the park may face further legal action from injured riders. Attorneys representing the plaintiffs are expected to continue filing lawsuits and pursuing compensation for their clients. The park may also face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies and the public, and may need to implement additional safety measures or changes to its operations. The closure of the X2 roller coaster may also have an impact on the park's revenue and reputation, and may lead to changes in the design and operation of other attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain and other theme parks.