Six Flags Magic Mountain announced that it will permanently close the X2 rollercoaster after hundreds of riders alleged they sustained brain injuries.
The ride, known for its high‑speed corkscrews, inversions, and outward‑spinning 360° seats, has been shut down since July following an influx of claims.
Six Flags said the ride had met all safety testing requirements, yet the company opted to retire the attraction, describing the decision as "the right thing to do."
Plaintiffs, represented by the Dordick Law Corporation, say the park operated the attraction "too late" for the hundreds of people who suffered from brain trauma and, in some cases, required emergency surgery.
The X2 first opened in 2002 as "X," reopened under its current name in 2005 after a redesign that installed lighter trains, and has carried an estimated 16 million riders.
Among those affected is the family of Christopher Hawley, a 22‑year‑old who died after a 2022 X2 ride caused a fatal skull fracture. The family settled a wrongful‑death suit with the theme park in August but calls the closure "not enough."
Brent Wisner, attorney for Hawley’s family, urged lawmakers to strengthen regulation and increase government oversight of amusement‑park rides. "We cannot rely on profit‑centered corporations to do the right thing only after enough people have been hurt," he said.
The park’s president, Brian Oerding, told the BBC that "ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."
The X2’s permanent retirement raises questions about how amusement‑park safety standards will be enforced moving forward and whether new regulatory models will be developed to protect riders.
