Six Flags Magic Mountain officially retired its X2 roller coaster on Sept. 29, 2026 following years of reported injuries, allegations and lawsuits of ride-related brain damage. According to the Los Angeles Times, the ride was suspended in July after two riders suffered brain hemorrhages within a week of each other.
Since X2 opened in 2008, the ride has been one of the park’s main attractions with an average of 700,000 riders a year. The ride is known for its 215-foot drop and fourth dimension rotating seats.
Despite its popularity for guests, the Six Flags Magic Mountain president, Brian Oerding, has determined the ride will close. The decision followed renewed scrutiny of the ride after the incidents in July. An investigation by CNN revealed a pattern of life altering brain injuries and multiple fatalities, prompting state regulators, Cal/OSHA, to launch a formal safety inquiry.
The investigation also brought forward other riders who reported serious injuries after riding X2. Attorneys representing injured riders report that over 100 people had alleged brain damage, with additional lawsuits planned.
One of the deaths involved Christopher Hawley, 22, who passed away in 2022 after a fatal head injury. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the park, which was later settled privately.
The closure of X2 was followed by broader safety concerns, according to CNN. On Oct. 12, a man was thrown from the Goliath coaster in the Six Flags in Georgia due to faulty restraints. Due to this, Six Flags closed nine other roller coasters across six parks. Six Flags did not state why those rides were closed nor have they provided a reopening timeline.
Oerding addressed the ride’s closure in a statement posted on the Six Flags Blog.
“Since X2 opened in 2008, it has welcomed more than 16 million guests and earned a passionate following among ride enthusiasts… and we are grateful to our team members who operated and maintained it throughout its run,” Oerding said. “While X2 consistently passed a multitude of safety tests, we have decided to close the ride because we believe it’s the right thing to do. Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously.
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