One of America's most famous thrill rides is gone for good. Six Flags Magic Mountain, the coaster-heavy park north of Los Angeles, has permanently closed X2, the swivelling, 80mph roller coaster that operated for nearly two decades and is now at the centre of a wave of brain injury lawsuits.
X2 opened in 2008 and carried more than 16 million riders, according to park president Brian Oerding, who announced the retirement. The ride's signature gimmick — seats that rotate a full 360 degrees while trains race through drops and twists at up to 130kph — made it a cult favourite among enthusiasts. But it also produced a string of serious medical emergencies this year. In early July, 40-year-old Pamela Guillen suffered a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression hours after riding, requiring emergency surgery in which part of her skull was removed. Days later, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson of Los Angeles lost consciousness on the ride, underwent brain surgery and remained in a coma for weeks; her parents say she still cannot speak or breathe unaided.
The park shut X2 down shortly after the second incident, then made the closure permanent this week. Oerding said the ride had consistently passed safety tests, but that the park acted because guest confidence had been affected. 'Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business,' he said.
The legal picture is still unfolding. Lawyers at Dordick Law, representing Greer-Wilkinson, say more than 100 people have contacted them claiming injuries linked to the coaster, and attorney Christopher Bulone argued the ride's design is dangerous in a way no reasonable rider would expect. In August, Six Flags and ride manufacturer S&S Worldwide settled with the family of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died after riding X2 in 2022. Another case, brought by 56-year-old Sheila Katerelos, who alleges a traumatic brain injury on the ride in 2020, is due in court next year. Six Flags, which operates parks across North America, has declined to comment on pending litigation.
For theme park travellers, the takeaway is twofold. First, if Magic Mountain was on your list largely for X2 — a ride people crossed states for — plan around its absence; the park still holds one of the deepest coaster line-ups in the world. Second, even rides with clean inspection records can carry real risks, particularly high-G-force coasters with unusual seat motion. If you have a history of head, neck or heart problems, it is worth reading posted health warnings closely rather than treating them as fine print. Anyone planning a coasters-focused trip to Southern California in the coming months should check the park's ride availability before booking, since other attractions may also face scrutiny as litigation continues.
