Six Flags X2 Rollercoaster Closed Amid Brain Injury Reports
Closure follows severe subdural hematoma, 2022 wrongful death settlement, and a history of rider hospitalisations.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
The X2 rollercoaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain has been closed since July 12.
The X2 rollercoaster closed after reports surfaced of rider Pamela Guillen suffering a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has not publicly commented on the July incident, stating only that the ride remains closed.
Guillen reportedly lost consciousness after riding X2; she was found to have brain injuries associated with high-speed collisions, leaving her in a coma for two weeks.
Separately, the family of a 22-year-old man who died from a brain injury after riding X2 in 2022 previously reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit against the park.
Christopher Hawley, 22, reportedly died from blunt head trauma less than 10 hours after riding X2 in 2022.
Court records indicate that Hawley's three relatives were reportedly flipped like 'rag dolls' on the X2 ride. Six Flags had denied the allegations in that wrongful death lawsuit and has declined to comment on pending litigation.
A review of medical records reportedly revealed dozens of injuries, hospitalizations, and two deaths associated with the 4D attraction over the years.
Another rider, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, was reportedly hospitalized after riding X2 and remains in a coma.
At least five riders had reportedly visited the hospital after riding X2 prior to Salena O'Neil's injuries, according to court filings.
A 62-year-old man reportedly sued the park in 2009 after suffering a traumatic brain injury he alleged was caused by the ride.
a 'rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil'.
The X2 rollercoaster reaches speeds up to 76 mph with 360° rotating seats, promoted as a 'rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil'. There are reportedly only two other rollercoasters in the world with a similar four-dimensional design, located in China and Japan.
The testing data Six Flags handed over to inspectors was reportedly informed by safety standards from a committee composed of theme park operators and ride manufacturers.