Six Flags brain injury incident
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The gist
Six Flags' X2 roller coaster in California remains closed after two women suffered similar brain injuries. The ride's safety is under scrutiny amid lawsuits and past incidents.
Background
The X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California has been closed since July 2026 after a rider was found unconscious on July 5, 2026. Two women have been hospitalized with similar brain injuries, and park officials have remained silent about the closure. The ride has a history of incidents, including a 2022 death of a 22-year-old man, leading to lawsuits against the park.
How it unfolded
- 2022Christopher Hawley, 22, collapsed after riding X2 and died the next day; family later sued Six Flags.
- Jul 5, 2026A rider was found unconscious on X2, prompting the attraction to close.
- Aug 24, 2026Fox News reported on the 2022 death and lawsuit, linking it to the current closure.
- Aug 27, 2026CNN reported that two women were hospitalized with similar brain injuries after riding X2, and the park remained silent on the closure.
Who’s saying what
- Expert
- Lyndia Wu, a mechanical engineering professor, said head injury should not be an expected risk from a roller coaster and that rides can be designed to prevent such injuries.
- Park
- Six Flags' attorneys argue that a sign warns of inherent risks and that X2 is regularly tested and forces are not strong enough to cause TBI for normal riders.
Still unverified
The 2022 death of Christopher Hawley is reported by Fox News and family lawsuit, but not confirmed by official sources. The exact details of the two women's injuries are not fully disclosed.