Six Flags retires X2 roller coaster in California after 16 million rides amid injury lawsuits

Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has permanently retired its X2 roller coaster after more than 16 million rides, following a series of lawsuits and injury claims involving passengers who said they suffered serious neurological injuries.

The decision was announced on Tuesday (29 September) by Brian Oerding, president of the theme park in Valencia, north of Los Angeles. X2 had been closed since July after two riders were hospitalised following separate incidents.

“After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2,” Oerding said in a statement.

He said the ride had passed multiple safety tests since opening but that the park had decided to close it after taking concerns over guest confidence seriously.

A roller coaster with rotating seats

X2 originally opened in 2002 as X before undergoing a major redesign and reopening in 2008.

Unlike conventional roller coasters, its seats rotate independently through 360 degrees as the train travels along the track. The attraction features steep drops, sharp turns and speeds of about 76mph (122kmh).

Six Flags said X2 had carried more than 16 million guests since its 2008 relaunch.

The attraction was shut after two incidents in July involving women who later required emergency medical treatment.

Pamela Guillen, 40, suffered a severe subdural haematoma and brain compression after riding X2 on 5 July, according to her family. She underwent emergency surgery that involved removing part of her skull.

Five days later, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, lost consciousness after riding X2 and underwent emergency brain surgery. Her parents told CNN that she remained in a coma for weeks and was unable to speak or breathe independently.

More than 100 people contact lawyers

The July cases followed other legal claims involving X2.

Attorneys representing Greer-Wilkinson said they had been contacted by more than 100 people who reported injuries they believed were connected to the ride.

Dordick Law Corporation is representing Greer-Wilkinson and Guillen in separate cases against Six Flags Magic Mountain and X2 manufacturer S&S Worldwide. Another lawsuit concerns Michael Wilk, who alleges he suffered a brain injury after riding X2 in February.

The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings and have not been established in court.

Six Flags has said it does not comment on pending litigation.

Previous death resulted in settlement

X2 was also involved in a lawsuit following the death of Christopher Hawley, 22, in 2022.

Hawley suffered a serious brain injury after riding the coaster and died the following day. His family subsequently sued Six Flags Magic Mountain and S&S Worldwide, alleging that the ride caused his injuries.

The parties reached a settlement in August 2026. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Another lawsuit brought by Sheila Katerelos, 56, alleges that she suffered a traumatic brain injury after riding X2 in 2020. That case is scheduled for trial next year.

California requires amusement rides to be inspected

Permanent amusement rides in California are regulated through the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA.

The state's Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit requires permanent amusement rides to undergo annual inspections. Operators must also inspect and test rides before they are operated each day.

California regulations cover safety systems including brakes, restraints, control mechanisms and speed-limiting equipment. State inspectors can conduct additional examinations following accidents or credible safety complaints.

Six Flags said X2 had continued to pass its safety tests during its operating history.

With the decision to retire the attraction, the ride will not reopen following its July closure.