A roller coaster built to make your stomach drop is now at the centre of a much more serious problem. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s X2 in Valencia, California, is facing three new lawsuits alleging catastrophic brain injuries, while the law firm representing the plaintiffs says more than 100 other riders have come forward with similar complaints. Here’s all about this.
Six Flags X2 Faces Three New Lawsuits In California
The X2 is not your average coaster. It opened in 2002 as the world’s first fourth-dimensional roller coaster, with seats that rotate independently as the train races along the track. Riders experience a 215-foot drop, sudden flips and rotations, and speeds reaching 76 mph. The attraction has also undergone redesigns and has been closed at various points over the years.
Now, three riders are taking their allegations to court.
Pamela Guillen rode X2 on July 5 while celebrating her daughter’s 16th birthday. According to her lawsuit, she became confused and struggled to leave the ride before collapsing. She was taken to hospital with a severe brain haemorrhage and underwent emergency surgery. Guillen says she spent weeks in hospital and rehabilitation and is still unable to drive or return to work.
Just six days later, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, allegedly lost consciousness after riding X2. Her parents say she suffered a catastrophic brain injury and remains hospitalised with severe neurological complications.
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What Are The Lawsuits Alleging?
The third lawsuit was filed by Los Angeles attorney Michael Wilk, who rode the coaster in February. His complaint alleges that he subsequently developed headaches, dizziness, confusion and memory problems and was diagnosed with intracranial bleeding. He has undergone brain surgeries and says he can no longer practise law.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the coaster’s rapid acceleration, deceleration and rotating seats subject riders to forces that can cause traumatic brain injuries. They also allege the ride was defectively designed and that passengers were not adequately warned about the risks. Those allegations remain to be tested in court.
There is also a troubling history behind the latest lawsuits. Christopher Hawley, 22, died in 2022 after suffering fatal head trauma following an X2 ride. His family reached a settlement with Six Flags and manufacturer S&S Worldwide in August 2026.
X2 has remained closed since July 12, while California’s Cal/OSHA investigates an incident involving the attraction. Six Flags has declined to comment on the current lawsuits, citing its policy of not discussing pending litigation.
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For now, the coaster that once sold itself as a thrill-seeker’s rite of passage remains silent, while the questions surrounding what happens to riders on X2 move into the courtroom.
Cover Image Courtesy: expeditious3204/X
FAQs
What is Six Flags X2?
X2 is a fourth-dimensional roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. It features independently rotating seats, a 215-foot drop and speeds of up to 76 mph.
Why is Six Flags X2 facing lawsuits?
Three riders have filed lawsuits alleging that they suffered serious neurological or brain injuries after riding X2. Their complaints include allegations concerning the ride's forces, design and warnings. These allegations have not been established in court.