The X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, will close permanently after operating for nearly 20 years, park officials announced. While park leadership maintains the attraction passed rigorous safety inspections, the permanent shutdown follows dozens of visitor complaints and multiple lawsuits alleging severe brain injuries stemming from the ride’s high-speed rotations and drops.
Permanent Closure Announcement at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Park President Brian Oerding announced the permanent retirement of the X2 roller coaster following mounting legal scrutiny and visitor safety concerns. Operating since 2008, the attraction welcomed more than 16 million visitors over its run. The ride features 360-degree rotating seats and reaches speeds up to 130 kilometers per hour. “Although X2 has successfully passed numerous safety tests, we have decided to close the attraction because we believe it is the right thing to do,” Oerding stated. Oerding added that guest trust and safety remain fundamental pillars of the park’s operations.
Legal Actions Over Severe Brain Injuries
The permanent closure follows a series of lawsuits filed by passengers who claim they suffered catastrophic neurological trauma while riding the attraction. Legal representatives involved in the proceedings indicate that more than 100 individuals have come forward with claims of brain injuries. Among the active litigation are cases involving two women who suffered severe trauma during rides in July. Pamela Guillen, 40, lost consciousness on July 5 and was diagnosed with a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression, requiring emergency surgery that involved removing part of her skull, according to details provided by her family to CNN. Less than a week later, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson suffered a brain hemorrhage on the same ride, leaving her in a coma and unable to breathe or speak independently, according to her parents.
The ride had already been temporarily closed following those incidents in July before park management opted for a permanent shutdown. The legal filings also include a prior fatality linked to the attraction. Christopher Hawley, 22, visited the ride with family members on June 23, 2022. According to a lawsuit filed by his family, Hawley lost consciousness after the ride and died the following day from a severe brain hemorrhage. That lawsuit concluded with a settlement in August before going to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About the X2 Roller Coaster Closure
When did the X2 roller coaster permanently close?
Park officials announced the permanent closure of the X2 attraction on a Tuesday following a series of legal actions and temporary shutdowns prompted by incidents in July.
How fast did the X2 roller coaster travel?
The attraction propelled passengers in seats that independently rotated 360 degrees while the train reached speeds between 122 and 130 kilometers per hour.
How many visitors did the ride accommodate before closing?
Since opening in its current configuration in 2008, the X2 roller coaster transported more than 16 million riders over nearly 20 years of operation.
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