Overview
- Six Flags Magic Mountain announced Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, that it will permanently retire X2, saying the decision followed a drop in visitor confidence despite the ride having passed routine safety tests.
- A CNN investigation published last month compiled more than a dozen serious injury reports and linked at least three deaths to X2, including the 2022 case of Christopher Hawley whose medical examiner ruled his death a traumatic brain injury from a ride accident.
- Two women suffered severe brain injuries within six days in July 2026, triggering a temporary closure on July 2 and intensifying scrutiny that led park officials to reassess the attraction.
- Attorneys representing riders say more than 100 additional people have come forward with alleged brain injuries related to X2 and have filed new lawsuits against Six Flags in recent weeks.
- Court documents and eyewitness accounts reviewed in the investigation allege park workers made an undisclosed equipment change and that some inspections relied on company-supplied data, raising questions about oversight and possible changes to ride-inspection rules.