Six Flags X2 roller coaster linked to multiple brain injuries and two deaths

Six Flags Magic Mountain X2 roller coaster traumatic brain injury amusement park safety Cal/OSHA investigation

The X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, has been linked to more than a dozen serious injuries and two deaths over nearly two decades, according to a CNN investigation. The ride, known for its 4D design where seats rotate 360 degrees, was shut down on July 12, 2026, following two severe medical emergencies involving riders within a single week.

In July 2026, Pamela Guillen and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson both suffered severe brain injuries, including subdural hematomas, after riding the attraction. Neurosurgeons stated the injuries were consistent with traumatic rapid acceleration-deceleration events. The ride remains closed as Cal/OSHA conducts an ongoing safety inspection.

Historical records and legal filings indicate a pattern of neurological trauma associated with the coaster. Notable incidents include the 2010 death of Hilda Farias and the 2022 death of Christopher Hawley, whose family recently reached a settlement with Six Flags and a train supplier. Six Flags has denied allegations of defective design and maintains that the ride's physical forces are not sufficient to cause such injuries.

Entities

Arrow Dynamics · CNN · California Civil Code · Christopher Hawley · Naomi Greer-Wilkinson · Pamela Guillén · Six Flags Magic Mountain · Valencia, California · X2

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain has been linked to over a dozen serious injuries and hospitalizations since 2002. www.gamereactor.nl · www.gamereactor.fi · internewscast.com · arynews.tv · astig.ph · +4 more
[● 10 SOURCES] The X2 roller coaster is linked to at least two deaths. www.gamereactor.nl · www.gamereactor.fi · www.habbaspilaw.com · internewscast.com · arynews.tv · +5 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cal/OSHA has opened an inspection into the X2 roller coaster following recent incidents. articles.thelocalreport.in
[● 2 SOURCES] Neurosurgeons attributed recent brain injuries to traumatic rapid acceleration-deceleration events during the ride. astig.ph · www.ibtimes.com.au
[● 4 SOURCES] Medical experts suspected a brain abnormality rupture caused by the ride's intensity in a 2010 death. www.gamereactor.nl · www.gamereactor.fi · www.gamereactor.eu · www.gamereactor.se
[○ 1 SOURCE] Six Flags and a train supplier reached a settlement with the family of Christopher Hawley. www.ibtimes.co.uk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Six Flags has denied allegations regarding the safety and design of the X2 coaster. www.medicaldaily.com
[● 5 SOURCES] Six Flags Magic Mountain closed the X2 roller coaster on July 12, 2026. internewscast.com · arynews.tv · astig.ph · articles.thelocalreport.in · thenightly.com.au