The family of Christopher Hawley, a recent graduate of San Diego State University, has sued Six Flags Magic Mountain following his death in the summer of 2022, attributing his fatal head trauma to the park's X2 roller coaster. The lawsuit claims the ride's design was defective and that the attraction was excessively rough.
According to reports, Hawley collapsed shortly after riding the X2 attraction at the Los Angeles County theme park and died the following day. His death was ruled an accident caused by blunt-force head trauma, with medical professionals comparing his injuries to shaken baby syndrome, suggesting the forces involved caused his brain to move rapidly within his skull, leading to severe injury. The family stated that the surgeon likened the injury to the ride hitting his head so hard it ruptured his brain.
Christopher's younger brother, Alex, described the ride experience as intensely violent, with sudden jolts that forcefully moved passengers and caused their heads to slam against the headrests. After disembarking, Christopher appeared unwell and then collapsed. Emergency responders transported him to a hospital, where he later died.
The X2 roller coaster, known for its 360-degree rotating seats, has been advertised as one of the park's most intense attractions. The lawsuit also alleges that Six Flags failed to adequately warn the public about the inherent risks associated with the ride.
Separately, the X2 roller coaster experienced another incident on July 5, 2026, when a rider was found unconscious. This incident led to the attraction's closure for over a month. Six Flags confirmed that the ride remains closed following the 2026 incident.
A jury trial involving Six Flags, the roller coaster's manufacturer, and park employees is scheduled to begin on September 8. Six Flags has declined to comment directly on the ongoing litigation.