Six Flags X2 Coaster Closed After Two Brain Hemorrhages in July

Six Flags Magic Mountain closed its X2 roller coaster on July 12 after two women suffered severe brain hemorrhages within six days in early July. A CNN investigation found the extreme 4D coaster has been linked to more than a dozen serious injuries and hospitalizations over nearly two decades, including two deaths. The closures and lawsuits now threaten the park’s marquee attraction and raise questions about safety oversight of extreme rides.

Two women suffer identical brain injuries six days apart

Pamela Guillen, 40, from Hawaii rode X2 on July 5 during her daughter’s birthday trip. She repeatedly hit her head against the headrest during the 2-minute, 42-second ride, then vomited and lost consciousness. Surgeons found a severe subdural hematoma and removed part of her skull to relieve pressure. She spent two weeks in a coma before regaining consciousness and has since struggled to relearn how to walk and speak.

Six days later, 25-year-old Los Angeles resident Naomi Greer-Wilkinson rode X2 with her siblings and also lost consciousness shortly after. She required emergency brain surgery and remains in a coma as of CNN’s August 27 report. Three neurosurgeons who treated both women concluded the injuries resulted from a traumatic rapid acceleration-deceleration event on the ride.

Decades of complaints and prior injuries ignored

X2 has been linked to more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations since its 2002 opening, according to medical records and court filings reviewed by CNN. Two riders in their twenties died from brain injuries, though one had a preexisting brain abnormality. Internal Six Flags records show at least 70 head and neck injury complaints between 2019 and 2022 alone.

The ride reaches speeds up to 76 mph and features independently rotating seats that flip riders around. Despite years of warnings from visitors, attorneys, and medical experts, park officials and California regulators allowed X2 to continue operating without design changes.

Six Flags defends ride safety while facing lawsuits

Six Flags has argued in court that X2 meets industry safety regulations, is regularly tested, and displays warning signs about inherent risks. The company contends that forces generated by the ride cannot cause brain injury in a “normal” rider if used “as instructed.” However, neurosurgeons treating the two July patients directly contradicted this position in their professional assessment.

The park has faced multiple lawsuits alleging X2 caused catastrophic brain injuries. One family reported that Six Flags offered only McDonald’s food after their daughter arrived at the hospital in critical condition, with no further company contact.

Regulatory investigation and investor impact

California regulators launched an investigation after the July closures. Six Flags Entertainment (FUN) fell 1.05% on August 27 to $15.96, while the broader leisure sector faced scrutiny over extreme ride safety standards. Meyka grades FUN at C- with a strong sell recommendation, citing weak profitability and high debt. The company faces potential design requirements, operational restrictions, or permanent closure of X2 pending regulatory findings.

Final Thoughts

The X2 closure exposes a two-decade pattern of serious injuries at a major theme park attraction. With lawsuits mounting and regulators investigating, Six Flags faces potential liability and operational restrictions that could impact park revenue and investor confidence in the leisure sector.

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