Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently retires X2 coaster after surge in brain injury lawsuits

Key points

• Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent closure of its X2 roller coaster on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
• The decision follows a temporary shutdown in July 2026 after two riders suffered brain injuries within six days of each other.
• Attorneys representing plaintiffs claim more than 100 riders have come forward alleging brain injuries from the ride in the last two years alone.
• The ride, originally opened in 2002 as 'X' and renamed 'X2' in 2008, had been ridden by more than 16 million people.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding stated the ride consistently passed safety tests but was closed due to affected guest confidence.
• The park plans to replace X2 with a new 'Thrill Glider' coaster next year.

Background

The X2 roller coaster, located in Valencia, California, was a marquee attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain for nearly two decades. It featured 360-degree rotating seats and reached speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour. The ride had a history of closures, including one in 2002 for design flaws and another in 2007 to replace trains with lighter ones. In August 2026, Six Flags reached a confidential settlement with the family of Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 after riding X2. A CNN investigation in August 2026 linked the ride to more than a dozen serious injuries and hospitalizations over the last two decades.

How outlets are covering it

Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding emphasized that while X2 passed safety tests, the closure was the 'right thing to do' due to affected guest confidence. In contrast, attorneys for the plaintiffs, including Dordick Law Corporation and Wisner Baum LLP, argued the closure was 'too late' and 'long overdue,' stating that Six Flags knew of the dangers for years. CNN highlighted that the closure followed an investigation that exposed a pattern of injuries, while the Los Angeles Times noted the emotional response from the family of Christopher Hawley, who had been fighting for closure for four years. BBC reported that a law firm representing plaintiffs said the closure 'does nothing for the people who have already been hurt.' ABC7 Los Angeles focused on the specific lawsuits, including those of Pamela Guillen and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, and noted that a judge has scheduled a 2027 trial in one case.

Why it matters

The permanent closure of X2 marks a significant shift in theme park safety standards and corporate responsibility. It highlights the tension between regulatory compliance and public perception of safety, as well as the legal and financial risks associated with rides that have a history of injuries. The decision may influence how other amusement parks handle safety concerns and litigation, and it underscores the importance of proactive regulation and governmental oversight in the industry.

What to watch

Six Flags Magic Mountain plans to open the 'Thrill Glider' roller coaster next year, featuring a suspended glider train design and over half a mile of track. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health will continue its inspection of the X2 ride. Attorneys representing injured riders will continue to pursue legal action for compensation, with a trial scheduled for 2027 in one case. The park may face further legal challenges from other plaintiffs who have alleged injuries from the ride.