Six Flags permanently retires X2 coaster after CNN probe and 100+ injury claims

Key points

• Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding announced the permanent closure of the X2 roller coaster on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
• The closure follows a CNN investigation from August 2026 that documented over a dozen serious injuries and at least two deaths linked to the ride.
• Attorneys reported that more than 100 new victims have come forward alleging X2-related brain injuries sustained in the last two years.
• The ride had been temporarily closed since July 2026 after two women suffered brain injuries within six days of each other.
• Six Flags stated that X2 consistently passed safety tests but was closed to protect guest confidence and safety.
• The park is planning to replace X2 with a new 'Thrill Glider' coaster in 2027.

Background

The X2 roller coaster, which opened in 2002 and was rebranded in 2008, was the marquee attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, for nearly two decades. It featured 360-degree rotating seats and reached speeds of nearly 80 mph. In August 2026, a CNN investigation revealed a pattern of life-altering injuries, including the coma of 26-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson and the recovery of 40-year-old Pamela Guillen, both of whom suffered brain injuries in July. Prior to this, the park had settled a wrongful death lawsuit in August 2026 regarding 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 after riding the attraction. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) launched an inspection of the ride following the July incidents, which remains ongoing.

How outlets are covering it

CNN and the Los Angeles Times emphasize the human cost of the ride, highlighting the specific suffering of victims like Greer-Wilkinson, who remains in a coma, and Hawley, whose family fought for closure for four years. CNN frames the closure as a direct result of its investigative reporting, while the LA Times notes the ride's historical significance and the emotional relief of victims' families. The Orange County Register offers a more critical corporate perspective, arguing that while the closure is justified, it does not erase the company's liability for past incidents. The Register points out that the merged Six Flags/Cedar Fair entity faces nearly $5 billion in debt and that the X2 closure may signal broader risks for other 'rough' rides across the chain. NBC Los Angeles provides a neutral summary, noting that the ride had welcomed over 16 million guests since 2008 and that Six Flags declined to comment on pending litigation earlier in the month. All sources agree that the ride's closure is a significant event, but they differ on whether it represents a proactive safety measure or a reactive legal necessity.

Why it matters

The permanent closure of X2 marks a turning point in theme park safety standards, particularly for high-intensity roller coasters. It highlights the growing legal and reputational risks for amusement parks that continue to operate rides with documented injury histories. The case may set a precedent for how regulators and courts view the duty of care in thrill ride operations, potentially leading to stricter inspections or the retirement of other controversial attractions across the industry. Additionally, it underscores the financial pressures on merged entertainment conglomerates, where legacy liabilities can impact broader corporate stability.

What to watch

Six Flags Magic Mountain is set to open a new 'Thrill Glider' roller coaster in 2027, designed with a suspended glider train and over half a mile of track. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) inspection of the X2 ride remains ongoing. Attorneys representing the 100+ alleged victims are expected to file additional lawsuits, potentially including a class action suit, against Six Flags and the ride manufacturer, S&S Worldwide. The company has not disclosed the financial terms of the settlement with Christopher Hawley's family, but the closure may influence future liability calculations for other pending claims.