Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closes X2 rollercoaster after brain injury lawsuits

Consensus Summary

Six Flags Magic Mountain has permanently retired its X2 rollercoaster after nearly two decades of operation, following a series of severe brain injuries and lawsuits from riders. The ride, which opened in 2008, was linked to two deaths and multiple cases of catastrophic brain damage, prompting its closure in July. Two riders, including a 25-year-old woman, suffered brain hemorrhages in July and underwent emergency surgery, with doctors attributing their injuries to a rapid acceleration-deceleration event on the ride. The park’s president, Brian Oerding, announced the closure, stating that while X2 passed safety tests, guest confidence had been affected, and the decision was made to prioritize ride safety.

The controversy surrounding X2 escalated after CNN’s August investigation revealed the extent of injuries linked to the ride, including two deaths. The rollercoaster, billed as a 'fifth-dimension wing coaster,' features seats that rotate 360 degrees and reaches speeds of up to 76mph, with steep drops and sudden stops. Despite Six Flags’ claims of rigorous safety inspections, lawsuits allege the ride was inherently dangerous and that the company failed to adequately warn riders of the risks. The park’s accessibility guide even instructs riders to keep their heads against the headrest due to the ride’s intensity, underscoring its reputation for extreme thrills.

Key figures in the case include Pamela Guillen, who suffered severe brain damage on July 5, and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a 25-year-old who remains hospitalized after her July incident. Guillen’s daughter described her mother as 'lifeless' immediately after the ride, while Greer-Wilkinson’s family reported she is unable to speak or move her limbs. Law firm Dordick Law Corporation filed three lawsuits on September 22, representing over 100 plaintiffs, with more than 300 people contacting the firm to report injuries. Six Flags has maintained that the ride passed safety tests but acknowledged the need to address guest concerns, closing X2 permanently despite its popularity among thrill-seekers.

While both 7NEWS and the Guardian agree on the core timeline and injuries, discrepancies arise in the exact closure date—7NEWS specifies July 12, while the Guardian refers to mid-July. Additionally, 7NEWS provides more detailed accounts of individual incidents, such as the descriptions of the ride’s roughness and the settlement of the 2022 death case, whereas the Guardian focuses more on the broader legal and safety implications. The Guardian also emphasizes the ride’s design flaws, with attorneys arguing it was built to be more dangerous than other coasters, while 7NEWS highlights the emotional testimonies of affected families.

The future of the lawsuits remains unresolved, with Six Flags declining to comment on pending litigation. The park has settled one case involving the 2022 death of a 22-year-old rider, though the terms were not disclosed. Legal proceedings are expected to continue, with attorneys preparing to argue that the ride’s design and Six Flags’ warnings were inadequate. The closure of X2 marks the end of an era for the park, which had welcomed over 16 million guests since its opening, but the fallout from the injuries and lawsuits is likely to persist for years to come.