Six Flags to Demolish X2 Roller Coaster Amid Lawsuits Alleging Injuries and Death

Six Flags Magic Mountain is set to demolish its X2 roller coaster, a decision that comes after multiple lawsuits alleging serious injuries and the settlement of a wrongful-death case. The Southern California theme park announced Tuesday that the ride will be permanently closed after nearly two decades of operation.

The park president, Brian Oerding, stated in an online announcement that while X2 consistently passed safety tests, the decision to close it was made because "we believe it’s the right thing to do." He added, "Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously."

The X2 ride has been closed since July 12, following incidents where two women required hospitalization after experiencing the coaster. One woman, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, collapsed shortly after a ride and was found to have severe brain bleeding requiring emergency surgery. She remains in a vegetative state, and her family has filed a lawsuit against Six Flags.

Attorneys for Greer-Wilkinson claim that over 100 individuals have reported suffering brain injuries from the roller coaster in the past two years, with more lawsuits anticipated. The park recently settled a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the family of Christopher Hawley, 22, who died after riding X2 in 2022. His death was attributed to blunt head trauma, according to the medical examiner.

Introduced in 2002 as X, it was the world's first 'fourth-dimension' roller coaster. It was later reopened in 2008 as X2 with updated trains and special effects. The ride reaches speeds of up to 76 mph, with seats that rotate 360 degrees throughout the approximately 3,610-foot track. It features two 'raven turns,' which are half loops that transition into steep drops.