Six Flags announced Tuesday that it will permanently shutter its marquee X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. This decision follows a CNN investigation exposing a history of serious injuries and deaths associated with the attraction. The choice brings an end to nearly two decades of operation for one of the Southern California theme park’s most recognized and ambitious rides.
- The Engineering and Legacy of X2
- Lawsuits and Safety Investigations Precede Closure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently close X2?
- What made the X2 roller coaster unique?
- How many people rode X2 during its operational run?
- Why did Six Flags decide to retire the ride?
- What legal challenges was X2 facing?
Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding addressed the decision in an official park statement online. He explained the rationale behind ending the ride’s operation despite its maintenance record.
“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,” said Brian Oerding, President of Six Flags Magic Mountain.
The park executive emphasized that visitor safety remains the company’s central priority. “Ride safety is a cornerstone of our business, and when we see guest confidence affected, we take it seriously,” Oerding added.
The Engineering and Legacy of X2
When the coaster originally opened as simply “X” in January 2002, it introduced the world’s first fourth-dimension roller coaster. Built by Arrow Dynamics, the prototype placed riders in independent seats extending beyond the sides of the track. These seats could rotate 360 degrees as the train traveled along the course.
The ambitious engineering project faced initial hurdles, including Arrow Dynamics filing for bankruptcy shortly before the ride opened. The attraction closed in 2007 for major renovations and reopened as X2 in May 2008. The update featured new lighter trains, onboard audio, and sensory flame effects. It reached a height of 200 feet, speeds of 76 mph, and welcomed more than 16 million riders following its transformation.
Lawsuits and Safety Investigations Precede Closure
The permanent closure follows a temporary shutdown initiated on July 12, 2026. This shutdown came after two women suffered severe brain hemorrhages just six days apart. Court filings and subsequent legal representation highlighted a pattern of traumatic injuries linked to the ride over the past decade.
Attorneys representing injured guests stated that over 100 people reported brain injuries from the ride over the past two years. Plaintiffs in recent lawsuits include Pamela Guillen and Michael Wick, who alleged they suffered catastrophic neurological damage requiring emergency surgeries. Another prominent case involved 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died from blunt head trauma following a ride on X2 in June 2022. Six Flags and ride-train supplier S&S Worldwide previously reached a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Hawley’s family.
Park executives noted that the ride consistently passed routine inspections. However, mounting legal scrutiny and declining guest confidence ultimately sealed the fate of the iconic attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Six Flags Magic Mountain permanently close X2?
Six Flags announced the permanent closure of X2 on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, after the ride had been temporarily closed since July 12, 2026.
What made the X2 roller coaster unique?
X2 was the world’s first fourth-dimension (4D) wing roller coaster. It featured seats that extended outside the track and rotated 360 degrees forward and backward independently of the train’s movement.
How many people rode X2 during its operational run?
According to park officials, X2 welcomed more than 16 million guests after its major overhaul and reopening in May 2008.
Why did Six Flags decide to retire the ride?
Park President Brian Oerding stated that although the ride consistently passed safety tests, management decided to retire it because guest confidence had been affected by ongoing safety concerns and lawsuits.
What legal challenges was X2 facing?
The ride faced multiple lawsuits alleging that riders suffered severe traumatic brain injuries and neurological trauma. These legal actions followed prior settlements regarding wrongful death claims tied to incidents on the attraction.
