Six Flags Magic Mountain has announced the permanent retirement of its X2 rollercoaster following multiple lawsuits alleging serious brain injuries linked to the ride. The Southern California amusement park made the decision on Tuesday after nearly two decades of operation.
The ride has been closed since the evening of July 12, when two separate riders required immediate medical attention. Among them was 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who collapsed shortly after the ride and was diagnosed with extensive brain hemorrhaging that necessitated emergency surgery. She remains hospitalized in a vegetative state, dependent on a ventilator and unable to move or speak. Her family has since filed a lawsuit against Six Flags.
Last year, Six Flags reached a settlement in a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the family of a 22-year-old man who died after riding X2 in 2022. Since then, three additional lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries have been filed, with attorneys representing Greer-Wilkinson stating that more than 100 individuals have reported similar injuries linked to the coaster over the past two years. They anticipate further legal action in the coming weeks.
Despite these claims, Six Flags emphasized that the X2 consistently passed numerous safety inspections. Park president Brian Oerding said in an online statement, “While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do.” He added that guest confidence and ride safety are fundamental to the park’s operations and that concerns are taken seriously.
The X2, known for its intense experience, reaches speeds up to 76 miles per hour and covers 3,610 feet. Its seats rotate a full 360 degrees, causing riders’ bodies to flip throughout the duration, and the coaster includes two “raven turns,” half loops that transition into steep drops.
Six Flags Magic Mountain did not provide details about potential changes or replacements for the ride but underscored its commitment to guest safety in future operations. The closure marks the end of a prominent attraction amid rising scrutiny over amusement park ride safety and injury claims.