Six Flags Magic Mountain announced the permanent closure and retirement of the X2 rollercoaster on September 29, 2026, following a surge of litigation and reports of severe medical emergencies linked to the ride.
The decision follows the ride’s suspension on July 12, 2026, after two passengers were hospitalized with brain hemorrhages within a six-day window. Among the most severe cases cited are Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, who remains semi-conscious following her ride, and Michael Wilk, who required multiple brain surgeries after his head repeatedly struck the seat headrest during the attraction’s high-speed maneuvers.
Attorneys Gary Dordick and Christopher Bulone, who are representing affected families, stated that more than 100 individuals have now come forward alleging various injuries sustained on the coaster. These claims often describe “violent head vibrations” and “brain tissue stretching” caused by the ride’s unique mechanical design.
Investigations and Internal Records
While the park maintained that the ride consistently met industry safety standards, an investigation by CNN in August 2026 reportedly uncovered internal park records detailing 70 head and neck injury complaints over a three-year period. The investigation also linked at least two deaths to the ride’s history.
In a public statement, Six Flags Magic Mountain President Brian Oerding acknowledged the closure was “the right thing to do,” citing a significant decline in guest confidence. Oerding noted that while the X2 had passed safety tests, the park prioritized the well-being and trust of its visitors in making the final decision to decommission the landmark attraction.
The Mechanics of X2
The X2 was widely known for its “4D” mechanics, a world-first design by Arrow Dynamics where seats rotate 360 degrees independently of the track’s orientation. Reaching speeds of 76 mph, the ride was intended to provide a controlled but chaotic sensory experience.
The attraction originally opened as “X” in 2002 but was plagued by mechanical issues and high maintenance costs early in its lifespan. It underwent a $10 million renovation to become “X2” in 2008, featuring lighter trains and enhanced audio-visual effects. Despite these upgrades, the ride remained notorious among enthusiasts for its “rattle”—a vibration that critics and medical experts now suggest contributed to the mounting reports of neurological trauma.
The removal of X2 reduces Six Flags Magic Mountain’s rollercoaster count to 16 operating attractions. The park has not yet announced a timeline for the physical dismantling of the structure or whether a new attraction will be slated for the site.
