Six Flags Permanently Retires X2 Coaster After Decades of Injury Claims

Key points

• Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent closure of the X2 rollercoaster on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
• The ride had been closed since July 12, 2026, following reports of severe injuries.
• More than 100 riders have alleged they suffered brain injuries, with some requiring emergency surgery.
• Park President Brian Oerding stated the decision was made because it was 'the right thing to do' to protect guest confidence, despite the ride passing safety tests.
• Attorneys for the plaintiffs, including Dordick Law Corporation, stated the closure does not compensate those already injured.
• The X2 coaster, originally opened in 2002 as 'X', has been ridden by over 16 million people since its 2008 reopening.

Background

The X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain has a history of safety concerns. It originally opened in 2002 as 'X' but was closed shortly after for design flaw repairs. It was closed again in 2007 to replace trains with lighter versions and reopened as X2 in 2008. In 2022, rider Christopher Hawley died after riding the coaster, leading to a wrongful death settlement with Six Flags. Recent investigations by CNN and lawsuits filed in 2026 alleged that the ride caused catastrophic brain injuries, including comas and the need for emergency surgery, prompting the temporary closure in July 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding emphasized that while the X2 ride consistently passed safety tests, the decision to close it was driven by the impact on guest confidence and the belief that it was the right thing to do. In contrast, attorneys representing the injured riders, such as Gary A. Dordick of Dordick Law Corporation, argued that the closure comes too late for their clients and does not address the harm already caused. They are pursuing legal action to hold Six Flags accountable. The family of Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022, expressed relief at the closure but stated it does not undo the tragedy and called for stronger governmental oversight and legal reform. ABC7 Los Angeles highlighted specific cases, including Pamela Guillen, who underwent emergency brain surgery, and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who remains in a coma, underscoring the severity of the alleged injuries.

Why it matters

The permanent closure of the X2 rollercoaster marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over theme park safety and corporate accountability. The decision highlights the tension between a company's internal safety assessments and the public's perception of risk, especially when severe injuries are alleged. It also underscores the limitations of voluntary closures in addressing the needs of those who have already been harmed, as legal action continues. The case may influence future regulatory scrutiny of amusement park rides and the standards for safety testing and oversight.

What to watch

Attorneys representing the injured riders are expected to continue pursuing legal action against Six Flags to seek compensation for their clients. A trial has been scheduled for 2027 in one of the lawsuits. The closure of X2 may lead to increased scrutiny of other rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain and potentially across the industry. The park may need to address the replacement of the X2 ride and ensure that any new attractions meet stringent safety standards to restore guest confidence.