- Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster is under investigation after two women suffered severe brain hemorrhages within six days of riding it in July.
- The X2 roller coaster has remained closed since July 12, with California regulators stating that an inspection is ongoing.
- Both women, Pamela Guillen and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, required emergency brain surgery after riding X2, adding to a history of serious injuries associated with the ride.
- The X2 roller coaster has been linked to more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations over nearly two decades.
- Hilda Farias died after riding X2 in 2010, and her family later settled a lawsuit.
- In 2014, Selena O’Neill developed a subdural hematoma after riding X2, suffering severe headaches and vision problems.
- Christopher Hawley died less than 10 hours after riding X2 in June 2022, with his death attributed to blunt head trauma from a park ride accident.
Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster is facing scrutiny after two women experienced severe brain hemorrhages shortly after riding in July. The ride, known for its 360-degree rotating seats and high speeds, has been linked to numerous serious injuries over nearly two decades.12
On July 12, two women underwent emergency brain surgery within six days of each other after riding X2. The first, identified as Guillen, suffered a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression, leading to her being placed on a ventilator. She described her recovery as a struggle, stating, “I’m very lucky to be alive.”
Just days later, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson lost consciousness after riding the coaster and remains in critical condition, in a coma. Her family expressed outrage, with her mother stating, “Naomi should have never ever in a million years even had the option to get on that ride.”3
The X2 has a troubling history, with reports of over a dozen serious injuries, including permanent disabilities and fatalities. “In our professional opinion,” three neurosurgeons stated, “the severe brain injuries... were the result of a traumatic rapid acceleration-deceleration event experienced while on the X2 ride.” Despite this, Six Flags has defended the ride, claiming it is routinely tested and that riders are warned of inherent risks.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is conducting an ongoing inspection, but has not provided details on the ride's safety history or why it was allowed to operate after the first injury.
“The X2 has been linked to more than a dozen serious injuries over nearly two decades, including two deaths. California regulators say an inspection remains ongoing, while Six Flags has only said 'the ride remains closed at this time.'”
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