Six Flags Magic Mountain retires X2 coaster amid dozens of alleged brain injury claims

Six Flags Magic Mountain said it will permanently retire the X2 roller coaster, a ride known for its 360-degree rotating seats, after it was linked to over 100 alleged brain injury claims. The coaster, which has been out of operation since July, had previously passed a series of safety inspections, but the park said ending its service was "the right thing to do."

Park President Brian Oerding told reporters that "Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously." The decision follows multiple lawsuits and media reports alleging that riders suffered head injuries while on the attraction. Dordick Law Corporation, which filed civil suits on behalf of plaintiffs, said it had been contacted by roughly 400 individuals who claim they were injured on the ride.

The X2, originally opened as X in 2002 and later refurbished, has carried more than 16 million guests since its 2008 reopening. A separate legal team representing the family of Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old who died after riding the coaster in 2022, said the closure does not address past harms and called for a safe replacement.

The park’s move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of amusement ride safety and may influence future decisions about aging attractions.