Six Flags Shuts Down X2 Permanently After Brain Injury Claims Mount

The landmark roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain will not reopen following a series of lawsuits and allegations of severe neurological injuries

One of California’s most recognizable roller coasters is being retired for good after a growing number of riders claimed they suffered serious injuries while aboard the attraction.

Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that X2, the park’s signature thrill ride in Valencia, north of Los Angeles, has been permanently closed. The decision comes after recent incidents involving two women who allegedly sustained severe brain injuries following rides on the coaster and amid expanding legal challenges connected to the attraction.

Since opening nearly two decades ago, X2 has become one of the park’s marquee attractions. Known for its steep drops, abrupt twists and rotating seats that spin 360 degrees while trains reach speeds of roughly 130 kilometers per hour, the ride has drawn millions of visitors and developed a devoted following among coaster enthusiasts.

The latest controversy began on July 5, when 40-year-old Pamela Guillen became ill after riding X2. According to her family, she suffered a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression, requiring emergency surgery. Doctors removed part of her skull to treat the injury, her relatives told CNN as part of an investigation published last month.

Days later, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, of Los Angeles, reportedly lost consciousness after riding the same attraction. She also underwent emergency brain surgery. Her parents told CNN that she remained in a coma for weeks and is still unable to speak or breathe on her own.

X2 was closed shortly after the second incident. Park officials have now confirmed that it will never return to operation.

“After nearly 20 years, we have made the decision to permanently retire X2,” said Brian Oerding, the park’s president.

Oerding noted that the attraction welcomed more than 16 million riders after opening in 2008 and became one of the most popular experiences at the park. He also stressed that X2 consistently passed extensive safety inspections throughout its operating life.

“X2 has regularly exceeded numerous safety inspections,” Oerding said. “However, we have decided to close it because we believe it is the right thing to do. The safety of our guests is at the heart of our business, and we take very seriously any situation that could undermine their trust.”

Meanwhile, attorneys at Dordick Law, which represents Greer-Wilkinson, say the firm has been contacted by more than 100 people who claim they were injured after riding X2.

Attorney Christopher Bulone argued that the attraction’s design itself presents dangers beyond what riders could reasonably anticipate.

“The design of the ride itself makes it inherently dangerous in a way that no reasonable passenger could expect,” Bulone said.

Six Flags, which operates amusement parks across North America, has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

The legal scrutiny surrounding X2 predates the latest cases. In August, Six Flags and ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide reached a settlement with the family of Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old who died after riding the coaster in 2022. Another lawsuit is scheduled for next year. Sheila Katerelos, 56, alleges that she suffered a traumatic brain injury after riding X2 in 2020.

THE LATEST NEWS

[recent_post_slider design=”design-07″ show_author=”false” slider_height=”390″ lazyload=”progressive” limit=”6″ category=”11728″]

(Photo: © AndKronos)