Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 rollercoaster has been closed for more than a month after two riders reported suffering brain injuries, according to a new CNN investigation. The ride, known for its extreme twists and 360-degree seat rotations, has been shut since 12 July, a park spokesperson confirmed.
Two riders hospitalized within days
In July, Pamela Guillen, a Hawaii resident, rode X2 with her daughter. During the ride, Guillen's head banged against the seat's headrest, causing her to lose consciousness. She was transported to a hospital, where a CT scan revealed a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression. Guillen now deals with headaches and takes medication to prevent seizures.
“I’m taking it a day at a time to not overwhelm myself and to not go into a dark hole of mourning who I was and what I was able to do before this,” she told CNN.
Days later, Los Angeles resident Naomi Greer-Wilkinson also lost consciousness after riding X2. She was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and remains in a coma, CNN reported.
History of injuries and safety concerns
CNN's investigation uncovered a two-decade history of injuries reported by recent X2 riders, including two deaths. The outlet also highlighted shortcomings in the state's inspection process, noting that testing data provided by Six Flags to inspectors was based on safety standards from a committee of theme park operators and ride manufacturers.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.
Legal actions and settlement
Six Flags has faced litigation related to X2. On Thursday, the company settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 from a brain injury allegedly linked to the ride. The settlement terms were not disclosed, and Six Flags had denied the allegations.
“We want to make sure that that ride isn’t going to kill somebody else,” William Hawley, Christopher’s father, told the Orange County Register earlier this year.
The park spokesperson declined to comment on CNN's reporting, and the rollercoaster remains closed.
