X2 Closure will permanently end the operation of a prominent California roller coaster following multiple brain injury claims. Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the decision after riders and their families raised serious concerns about injuries. The coaster has remained closed since July after two women reportedly suffered severe medical emergencies following rides. Park officials said the attraction had operated for nearly two decades and carried millions of guests.
The X2 coaster features steep drops, rapid twists and seats that rotate independently during each ride. The attraction can reach speeds of approximately 130 kilometers per hour during its most intense sections. Its unusual design has attracted millions of visitors seeking high-speed thrills and unusual ride movements. However, recent injury claims have placed the attraction under increased legal and public scrutiny.
One case involves Pamela Guillen, a 40-year-old woman who rode X2 on July 5. Her family said she suffered a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression following the ride. Doctors performed emergency surgery and removed part of her skull to treat the serious injury. Her family later described the incident while discussing the circumstances surrounding her medical condition.
Less than one week later, another rider experienced a serious medical emergency after using the attraction. Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a 25-year-old Los Angeles resident, reportedly lost consciousness after riding X2. Her parents said doctors performed emergency brain surgery and that she remained in a coma for weeks.
The cases prompted renewed scrutiny of the ride and its design, while additional legal complaints followed. Attorneys representing Greer-Wilkinson said more than 100 people contacted their firm about alleged injuries. Those individuals reportedly described various physical problems that they associated with experiences on the coaster.
The attorneys have argued that the coaster’s design creates risks that ordinary riders may not anticipate. They have also raised concerns about the forces riders experience during the attraction’s rapid movements. However, those assertions represent allegations made through ongoing legal proceedings rather than established findings.
Meanwhile, Six Flags said the attraction had consistently passed numerous safety tests during its operating history. Park President Brian Oerding said the company nevertheless decided to permanently retire the ride. He explained that maintaining rider safety and confidence remained important factors behind the decision.
The park said X2 opened in 2008 and welcomed more than 16 million guests throughout its operation. The attraction developed a strong following among roller coaster enthusiasts because of its unusual rotating seats. Despite that popularity, the park ultimately decided that permanent closure represented the appropriate course.
X2 Closure also follows earlier legal action connected to a separate fatal incident involving the attraction. In 2022, 22-year-old Christopher Hawley died after riding the coaster. Six Flags and the ride manufacturer later reached a settlement with Hawley’s family in August.
Another lawsuit involving the attraction remains scheduled for next year, adding to the coaster’s legal history. Sheila Katerelos, 56, alleges that she suffered a traumatic brain injury after riding X2 in 2020. Her case represents another legal claim concerning injuries allegedly connected to the attraction.
Six Flags has declined to discuss pending litigation involving the coaster and the company. Consequently, allegations made in lawsuits have not established legal responsibility against the company or manufacturer. The ongoing cases will determine how courts evaluate the claims and evidence presented by the parties.
The permanent retirement follows a period of increased attention surrounding rider injuries and safety concerns. Although the attraction passed safety testing, recent incidents prompted questions from riders, attorneys and affected families. Authorities and legal representatives will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the reported injuries.
The decision also marks the end of one of Magic Mountain’s most recognizable attractions. For years, X2 attracted visitors with its rotating seats, steep drops and high-speed movements. Now, however, the park has permanently removed the coaster from its future attraction lineup.
The X2 Closure reflects the latest development in a series of legal disputes involving the attraction. While the park has emphasized its safety testing history, injured riders and their representatives continue pursuing legal claims. Further court proceedings could provide additional information about the alleged injuries and circumstances surrounding them.
