Six Flags shuts down world-famous X2 roller coaster after years of injury claims, lawsuits and deaths; amusement park saw 16 million guests since 2008

Six Flags announced that they are shutting down the world-famous roller coaster X2. Multiple people were severely injured on the ride, and there have also been multiple deaths linked to it, according to CNN news reports.

Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding said in a blog post, “After almost 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2. Since X2 opened in 2008, it has welcomed more than 16 million guests and earned a passionate following among ride enthusiasts.”

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Explaining the safety reasons behind the decision, he 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.”

He also explained, “Our purpose is to create FUN, thrills and a lifetime of memories by creating unforgettable experiences that are underpinned by comprehensive safety policies.”

This “FUN” ride has been associated with several serious injuries and hospitalizations, including two deaths over the history of the attraction, CNN reported.

Two women suffered severe brain injuries and ended up in the hospital after riding X2. CNN reported that both women required emergency brain surgery. Six Flags later closed the ride temporarily following the incidents.

More than 100 people have since come forward and claimed that they also suffered brain injuries after riding the X2 roller coaster, according to attorneys representing riders who have filed lawsuits.

According to news reports, there were also previous complaints and warnings involving the ride. The attraction continued operating despite reports of serious injuries. CNN reported that one rider ended up in a coma, while other riders required brain surgeries after riding X2.

Christopher Hawley’s family sued Six Flags following Hawley’s death after riding the coaster. The family continued fighting the case until reaching a settlement in August 2026, according to reports.

Hawley died from a traumatic brain injury. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's report attributed his death to blunt head trauma sustained in what was described as a “park ride accident.”

The family said that the ride should have been closed long ago following Hawley’s death. The permanent retirement of X2 came more than four years after his death.

However, Six Flags has said that X2 consistently passed safety tests. The company has also said that the decision to retire the ride was made because of safety concerns and the effect on guest confidence.

According to Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, it is North America's largest regional amusement-resort company. The company operates 20 amusement parks, 14 water parks and nine resort properties across 13 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico, along with an amusement park in Saudi Arabia.

Six Flags says its purpose is to create “FUN, thrills, and a lifetime of memories.” The company provides entertainment to millions of guests each year through its roller coasters, themed rides and water parks. Its attractions also feature popular brands and intellectual properties, including Looney Tunes, DC Comics and PEANUTS.