Six Flags Magic Mountain announced on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, that it will permanently retire X2, the "fourth dimension" roller coaster at the center of multiple lawsuits alleging riders suffered catastrophic brain injuries. The ride has not operated since July 12, 2026.
For our clients, Anne and William Hawley, the announcement comes too late. Their 22-year-old son, Christopher, died in June 2022 after suffering a fatal subdural hematoma while riding X2. Wisner Baum represented the Hawley family in their wrongful death lawsuit against Magic Mountain LLC, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, and S&S Worldwide, the company that designed and manufactured the ride.
“The Hawley family has been fighting Six Flags and the X2 for more than three years,” said Wisner Baum managing partner R. Brent Wisner. “While they are relieved to hear that Six Flags is finally closing the X2, it does not change the fact that Christopher Hawley was killed by a dangerous roller coaster that was allowed to operate for nearly two decades. That tragedy cannot be undone.”
Wisner Baum is evaluating cases for people who believe they suffered a head injury after riding X2. If you or someone in your family suffered a brain bleed, seizure, or other serious injury after riding X2 at Magic Mountain, contact us or call (310) 207-3233 for a free, confidential case review.
Why Six Flags is Closing X2
Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding announced the decision in a statement on the Six Flags blog. The statement maintains that X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests and says the park is closing it because it is “the right thing to do.”
The closure follows months of scrutiny, as the New York Times and other outlets have reported. X2 opened as “X” in 2002 and reopened as X2 in 2008 after a major redesign. Its seats rotate 360 degrees independently of the track, flipping riders forward and backward at speeds near 76 miles per hour.
Wisner Baum Responds: “X2 Is Dangerous”
Wisner Baum senior partner Timothy A. Loranger, who led the firm's trial team in the Hawley case, answered media questions about the closure on Tuesday.
“Wisner Baum is honored to have represented the Hawley family, who lost their son Christopher after he rode X2,” Loranger said. “The Hawleys' goal has always been to bring attention to what happened to their son in hopes that others would not suffer injury or loss. To put it simply, X2 is dangerous. So, it is good to hear that Magic Mountain is shutting the ride down permanently. It's about time.”
When asked whether X2 should have been closed earlier, Loranger gave a one-word answer: “Yes.”
“Today’s announcement confirms that X2 should not have been open to the public,” Loranger said. “It's unfortunate that 'ride safety' was not prioritized much sooner to avoid others suffering serious injuries.”
Loranger also took issue with the park's claim that X2 passed its safety tests. “While far too late, the decision to close X2 is the right one, but the closure announcement itself is another attempt to gaslight the public into thinking the ride was safe,” Loranger said. “Had Six Flags conducted appropriate testing, it would have no choice but to admit that the ride forces were dangerous and were the cause of the serious injuries that have been alleged.”
Christopher Hawley's Death After Riding X2
On June 23, 2022, Christopher Hawley, a recent San Diego State University graduate, visited Six Flags Magic Mountain with his younger brother and a cousin.
According to the lawsuit, X2 jolted violently as it approached the end of the ride. Christopher walked haltingly down the exit ramp, told his brother and cousin that his head hurt, then collapsed and lost consciousness. Doctors at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital found a catastrophic subdural hematoma (bleeding between the brain and the skull). Emergency surgery could not undo the damage, and Christopher died the next day.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled his death an accident caused by blunt head trauma sustained in a park ride accident.
The Hawleys' lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court asserted claims including strict product liability, negligent design, failure to warn, negligence, and premises liability. Six Flags disputed that X2 was unsafe. In August 2026, shortly before trial, the family resolved its claims against Magic Mountain LLC and S&S Worldwide through confidential settlements.
X2 Had a Known Track Record of Injuries
In an investigation published August 27, 2026, CNN reported that two riders needed emergency brain surgery within days of each other in July 2026. CNN identified more than a dozen reported serious injuries and hospitalizations involving X2 riders. Court records reviewed by CNN identified two deaths following rides on X2: Hilda Farias in 2010 and Christopher Hawley in 2022.
An expert retained in the case our firm filed on behalf of the Hawley family testified that Six Flags' internal records reflected at least 70 complaints of head or neck injuries involving X2 in the three years before Christopher's death.
“What can be seen in the public court filings is that X2 was capable of causing serious injury to its passengers,” said Loranger. “Had the appropriate testing of the ride been conducted, we believe X2 would have been closed long before Christopher Hawley became a passenger. Sadly, even after Christopher died, X2 continued to operate until more people suffered serious injuries.”
Closing X2 “Does Not Mean That Six Flags or Magic Mountain Will Take Responsibility for the Alleged Injuries”
Wisner Baum continues to represent people who allege they were injured on X2.
“Permanent closure of X2 may provide our clients with some peace of mind knowing that others will not be harmed by this ride,” Loranger said. “However, the decision to permanently close the ride does not mean that Six Flags or Magic Mountain will take responsibility for the alleged injuries that have been suffered. Doing that would have a much more significant impact.”
According to Brent Wisner, the lesson from X2 reaches beyond one roller coaster. “Moving forward, we need legal reform — we cannot rely on profit-centered corporations to do the right thing only after enough people have been hurt. We need proactive regulation. We hope that whatever replaces the X2 is safe. However, without proper governmental oversight, we are not holding our breath.”
Injured After Riding X2 at Magic Mountain? Talk to a Law Firm with Experience
Brain injuries from roller coasters do not always show up right away. A lingering headache, dizziness, confusion, or vision changes after riding X2 may signal serious injury, including bleeding in or around the brain. California generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the deadline depends on the facts. Do not assume you are out of time, but do not wait to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
Our firm investigated X2, obtained internal records, and prepared the Hawleys’ case for a Los Angeles County jury trial. If you have questions about pursuing an X2 lawsuit, give us a call at (310) 207-3233 or contact us to schedule a free case evaluation.
