Six Flags Shuts X2 Rollercoaster After Brain‑Injury Claims

Wed Sep 30 2026 14:46:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

More than 100 riders say they suffered brain injuries on X2, prompting its permanent closure at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent shutdown of its X2 rollercoaster after over a hundred riders alleged brain injuries. The ride, known for its 360° spinning seats, was already closed for repairs in 2002 and 2007 before reopening as X2 in 2003. Lawsuits filed by a law firm representing injured guests and the family of deceased rider Christopher Hawley have focused scrutiny on the park’s safety practices, leading to the closure decision. While the park insists the ride passed safety tests, critics say the move comes too late for those already harmed and call for stronger regulation.

Six Flags Shuts X2 Rollercoaster After Brain‑Injury Claims

More than one hundred riders have alleged brain injuries after riding the X2 coaster, prompting the amusement park to retire the ride permanently. The X2, famous for its 360° rotating seats, was originally opened in 2002, closed for design flaws, and again in 2007 for train upgrades before reopening in 2003. A lawsuit filed by a law firm representing injured guests and the family of rider Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022, has drawn attention to safety concerns. Six Flags officials said the ride had passed safety tests, yet executives acknowledged it was “the right thing to do” to stop the attraction. The closure is viewed as a belated step, with critics calling for stronger oversight and regulation of thrill rides to protect future guests.