What Made X2 a Distinctive Coaster Design?
X2's design specifications are part of technical analysis following its permanent closure at Magic Mountain.
Event / Disaster
Six Flags Magic Mountain X2 Closure
Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closed its X2 roller coaster following multiple lawsuits alleging serious brain injuries sustained by riders. The decision came after hospitalizations in July 2026 and over 100 additional injury claims. California OSHA launched an investigation, and attorneys continue pursuing lawsuits against the park.
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2026-10-01 to 2026-10-31 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Oct, 02:48 UTC
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What happened
Naomi Greer-Wilkinson suffers brain bleeding and remains in vegetative state after X2 ride
On July 12, 2026, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson rode the X2 coaster and collapsed shortly after exiting. She was found to have massive brain bleeding inside her skull requiring emergency brain surgery. She remains in a vegetative state in the hospital, unable to speak or move and dependent on a ventilator. Her family filed a lawsuit against Six Flags on her behalf.
X2 roller coaster closed since July 12, 2026 after two hospitalizations
The X2 roller coaster has been closed since the evening of July 12, 2026, after two women who rode the coaster less than a week apart were both hospitalized. Pamela Guillen was hospitalized on July 5, and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson was hospitalized on July 11, both requiring emergency medical care for brain injuries.
Pamela Guillen hospitalized with subdural hematoma after X2 ride on July 5, 2026
On July 5, 2026, Pamela Guillen rode the X2 coaster while celebrating her daughter's 16th birthday. According to her attorneys, the ride repeatedly slammed her head against the headrest. She needed help off the ride, began vomiting, and lost consciousness. She was rushed to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery to remove part of her skull after being diagnosed with a subdural hematoma. She regained consciousness roughly two weeks later.
X2 roller coaster specifications and design features
The X2 roller coaster reached a top speed of 76 mph and had a total length of 3,610 feet. The ride featured a 360-degree rotating seat that extended on wings far off the track, causing riders' bodies to flip throughout the ride. It included two 'raven turns' — half loops that turn into sheer drops midway. The ride debuted in 2002 as the world's first 'fourth-dimension' roller coaster and reopened in 2008 with new trains and special effects including fog and pyrotechnic flamethrowers.
Over 100 riders claim brain injuries from X2 roller coaster
According to attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation, more than 100 people have claimed they suffered brain injuries from the X2 roller coaster in the past two years. The firm has been retained by these claimants and expects to file additional lawsuits in the coming weeks against Six Flags.
Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently closes X2 roller coaster
Six Flags Magic Mountain announced on Tuesday that it is permanently retiring its X2 roller coaster after nearly 20 years of operation. The decision follows multiple lawsuits alleging that riders suffered serious brain injuries from the ride. Park President Brian Oerding stated that while the ride passed safety tests, the park decided to close it because it is the right thing to do and ride safety is a cornerstone of the business.
California OSHA opens investigation into X2 roller coaster
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health opened an investigation into the X2 roller coaster after the July 2026 incidents in which two riders were hospitalized with brain injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.
Christopher Hawley dies from blunt head trauma one day after riding X2 in 2022
Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old San Diego State University graduate, died one day after riding the X2 roller coaster in 2022. He was taken to the hospital after the ride with severe brain bleeding. The medical examiner determined his death was caused by blunt head trauma. Six Flags settled a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Hawley's family at the end of August 2026.
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2 alternative perspectives
Injury Claims Mount as X2 Closure Triggers Legal Timeline Questions
Over 100 X2 riders claim brain injuries; documented cases span 2022 to July 2026 closure.
Investigation launched as X2 closure becomes permanent at Magic Mountain
X2 roller coaster permanently closed after hospitalizations; California OSHA investigating.