Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently retires X2 coaster after years of injury lawsuits
Six Flags Magic Mountain has permanently closed its flagship X2 roller coaster, ending a two-decade run for the ride that drew global attention for its 360-degree rotating seats. The decision follows a temporary shutdown in July 2026 and a surge in litigation alleging the attraction caused severe brain injuries and deaths. While park officials cited declining guest confidence as the primary driver for closure, legal representatives argue the move was long overdue after a CNN investigation exposed a pattern of catastrophic trauma. The park plans to replace the attraction with a new 'Thrill Glider' coaster next year, though a California safety investigation remains ongoing.
Key points
- Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding announced the permanent closure of X2 on September 29, 2026, stating the decision was made because guest confidence had been affected, despite the ride passing safety tests.
- The ride, which opened in 2002 and hosted over 16 million riders, was temporarily shut down on July 12, 2026, following reports of two women suffering brain injuries just six days apart.
- Attorneys for the plaintiffs claim more than 100 riders have come forward alleging brain injuries sustained in the last two years, with a trial scheduled for 2027 in one prominent case.
- The closure follows a confidential settlement in August 2026 regarding the 2022 death of Christopher Hawley, whose family had campaigned for the ride's closure for four years.
- Six Flags announced plans to open a new 'Thrill Glider' coaster next year, featuring a suspended glider train design, to replace the retired X2 attraction.
Background
The X2 roller coaster, originally launched as 'X' in 2002, became a marquee attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, known for its '4th-dimensional' seats that rotate 360 degrees at speeds nearing 80 mph. The ride faced early design flaws, leading to a closure in 2007 for train replacement. In August 2026, a CNN investigation linked the ride to over a dozen serious injuries and at least two deaths, including the 2022 death of Christopher Hawley and the 2010 death of Hilda Farias. Following the investigation, the ride was temporarily closed, and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health launched an inspection that is still ongoing as of September 2026.
How outlets are covering it
ABC7 Los Angeles emphasized the immediate impact of the closure on the lawsuits, noting that the ride had been closed since July 12 and would now remain shut. CNN highlighted the role of its own August investigation in exposing the injuries, framing the closure as a response to public scrutiny and the revelation of over 100 new injury claims. The Los Angeles Times focused on the historical context, noting that the ride had been hailed by enthusiasts for its design but was now being replaced by a new 'Thrill Glider' coaster. All three outlets agreed on the timeline of the closure and the involvement of attorney Gary A. Dordick, but differed in emphasis: CNN focused on the investigative journalism aspect, while ABC7 and the LA Times focused more on the legal and operational consequences.
Why it matters
The permanent closure of X2 marks a significant shift in theme park safety standards, particularly for high-intensity roller coasters. It highlights the growing legal and reputational risks associated with rides that have a history of severe injuries, even if they pass routine safety tests. The decision may influence how other operators handle aging attractions with documented injury histories and could set a precedent for future liability cases in the amusement park industry.
What to watch
A trial is scheduled for 2027 in a lawsuit filed by Pamela Guillen and her husband. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is expected to conclude its ongoing inspection of the ride. Six Flags Magic Mountain is preparing to open the new 'Thrill Glider' coaster next year, which is designed to replace X2 as the park's marquee attraction. Additional lawsuits may be filed as more riders come forward with injury claims.
- X2 roller coaster shut down at Six Flags Magic Mountain amid lawsuits ABC7 Los Angeles
- Six Flags to close world-famous roller coaster after CNN investigation exposed years of injuries and deaths CNN
- Six Flags Magic Mountain retires X2 roller coaster amid brain injury lawsuits The Boston Globe
- Magic Mountain closes X2 coaster permanently after history of injuries Los Angeles Times
- Magic Mountain permanently shuts down X2 coaster amid brain injury claims KTLA
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on ABC7 Los Angeles