Six Flags Faces Over 100 Lawsuits Over X2 Coaster Brain Injuries
Three lawsuits have been filed against Six Flags Magic Mountain, alleging that the X2 rollercoaster caused catastrophic brain damage. Attorneys represent over 100 injured riders, claiming the park ignored known safety risks. The ride has been closed since July following two severe injuries, including one coma case.
Key points
- Three lawsuits were filed on Monday against Six Flags, with attorneys representing over 100 additional clients who claim brain injuries from the X2 ride in the last two years.
- Plaintiffs include Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who remains in a coma, and Pamela Guillen, who underwent emergency brain surgery; both were injured in July just days apart.
- Attorneys allege the ride's design, featuring 360-degree rotating seats and speeds up to 76 mph, creates dangerous forces that cause rapid acceleration-deceleration injuries.
- The X2 rollercoaster has been closed since July 12, 2026, following the latest injuries, while California OSHA continues an investigation into the incident.
- Six Flags declined to comment on the pending litigation, stating it does not discuss pending legal matters, while maintaining its safety program meets industry standards.
Background
The X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has faced scrutiny for nearly two decades. A CNN investigation in August 2026 documented over a dozen serious injuries and two deaths associated with the ride. In August 2026, Six Flags and ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide reached confidential settlements in a wrongful death lawsuit regarding 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died from a head injury on the ride in 2022. The current lawsuits follow these earlier incidents and settlements.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian and CNN emphasize the scale of the legal action, noting that over 100 people claim brain injuries, with more than 300 contacting the law firm. Attorneys Gary Dordick and Christopher Bulone argue the ride is inherently dangerous and that Six Flags ignored known risks. CBS News highlights the personal toll on victims, such as Naomi Greer-Wilkinson’s parents and Pamela Guillen’s recovery struggles, and notes that Six Flags has been sued more than a dozen times previously for similar injuries. Six Flags maintains that the ride is regularly inspected and that injuries are not caused by the ride's forces for normal riders, though it declined to comment on the new lawsuits. CNN notes that some potential plaintiffs were ineligible to sue due to statute of limitations or lack of medical proof.
Why it matters
The lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about the safety of high-speed amusement rides and the adequacy of regulatory oversight. The closure of the X2 rollercoaster and the potential for further legal action could impact Six Flags' operations and reputation. The case also raises questions about the liability of ride manufacturers and operators for injuries caused by extreme forces.
What to watch
Attorneys expect to file additional lawsuits in the coming weeks. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) is continuing its investigation into the X2 rollercoaster. Six Flags has not indicated whether the ride will reopen, and the outcome of the lawsuits could lead to changes in safety standards or ride design.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain sued over alleged ‘catastrophic brain damage’ from X2 ride The Guardian
- More than 100 riders allege brain injuries from Six Flags’ X2 roller coaster, attorneys say CNN
- New lawsuits allege X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain caused major brain injuries abcnews.com
- Six Flags Magic Mountain X2 roller coaster brain injury lawsuits qz.com
- Six Flags' X2 roller coaster left riders with brain injuries, lawsuits allege CBS News
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