Six Flags shuts down X2 after brain injury claims

Six Flags Magic Mountain says X2 will not reopen. The California park announced the permanent retirement on Tuesday after the rollercoaster had remained out of service from July onward. Although Six Flags said X2 cleared multiple safety checks, it chose to remove the attraction after concerns affected guests’ confidence. For Simi Valley families visiting the park, the decision permanently removes one of its busiest rides.

Civil cases and news coverage connected X2 with alleged brain injuries involving hundreds of riders. Dordick Law Corporation, which brought lawsuits against the park, said hundreds of people contacted the firm about injuries they attributed to the coaster. According to the firm, some clients required emergency surgery on their brains. Another firm represented the relatives of Christopher Hawley, 22, who died following an X2 ride in 2022. His family resolved its wrongful-death case with the park in August.

The coaster debuted as X in 2002, then stopped operating within months while design problems were repaired. It closed once more in 2007 so lighter trains could replace the originals. The attraction returned the next year under the X2 name. Six Flags said more than 16 million riders used it after that reopening. Attorney Brent Wisner called for stronger laws, earlier regulation and appropriate government oversight following the closure.