Six Flags announced on September 29, 2026, that it will permanently close X2, the famous roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The decision to close X2 came about a month after a CNN investigation linked the ride to more than a dozen serious injuries and hospitalizations, including at least two deaths.
If you or someone you love was hurt on a ride, you may be feeling scared, frustrated, and unsure where to turn. You’re not alone, and you have rights. Here’s what happened with X2, and what you can do if a roller coaster left you injured.
Why Did Six Flags Close X2?
Six Flags first shut X2 down indefinitely on July 12, 2026. That came after two women were hospitalized six days apart with bleeding on the brain, a condition called a subdural hematoma, after riding.
In a blog post announcing the permanent closure, the park’s president said X2 had consistently passed its safety tests. He said closing it was the right thing to do, and that the company takes it seriously when guest confidence is affected.
The ride first opened in 2002 as X and was rebuilt as X2 in 2008. It reached speeds of about 76 miles per hour. Its seats were mounted on “wings” beside the track and rotated a full 360 degrees, spinning riders around throughout the two-minute ride.
What Did the CNN Investigation Find About X2?
CNN’s investigation, published in August 2026, reviewed medical records, depositions, and court filings. It found more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations tied to X2 over nearly two decades.
The reported incidents include:
- 2009: A 62-year-old man said he suffered a brain bleed after riding and needed surgery.
- 2010: A 28-year-old woman died after riding. Medical experts suspected a blood vessel abnormality in her brain ruptured after the ride.
- 2014: A 17-year-old girl developed a severe headache, vision problems, and trouble walking after riding. She was later diagnosed with bleeding on the brain.
- 2022: A 22-year-old recent college graduate died hours after riding. The medical examiner ruled his death was caused by blunt head trauma from a park ride accident. His family sued Six Flags and reached a tentative settlement in August 2026.
- July 2026: A 40-year-old woman needed emergency brain surgery and had to relearn how to walk and talk. Days later, a woman in her mid-20s had similar surgery and was reported to still be in a coma.
X2 Roller Coaster Injuries: How Many People Say They Were Hurt?
The number is growing. Three lawsuits filed in late September 2026 claim riders suffered brain injuries on X2. One comes from a man who says he needed multiple brain surgeries after riding in February 2026. Attorneys told CNN that more than 100 people have come forward with similar claims from the last two years alone. Attorneys also say a young man died after riding X2 in late 2025, which would make at least three deaths linked to the ride.
X2 roller coaster brain injuries can change lives. One of the women hurt in July lost consciousness after getting off the ride, and she still deals with severe headaches and brain fog.
Can Roller Coasters Cause Brain Injuries?
Yes, though it’s rare. Experts told TIME that fast acceleration, twisting, and sudden changes in direction can stretch and shear brain tissue and blood vessels. That can lead to concussions or bleeding in the brain.
Children may face higher risk. A Penn State Hershey neurosurgeon explained that kids’ heads are larger relative to their bodies, so a hard turn can whip the head and neck past normal limits.
After any intense ride, watch for these warning signs:
- A headache that gets worse or won’t go away
- Confusion, dizziness, or trouble balancing
- Nausea or repeated vomiting
- Blurred vision, slurred speech, or unusual drowsiness
If you notice any of these, get medical care right away. A brain bleed can be life-threatening, and early treatment matters.
Can You File a Roller Coaster Injury Claim?
You may be able to. Amusement parks have a legal duty to keep guests reasonably safe. When a park fails to do that, it may be held responsible. This is called premises liability, meaning a property owner can be accountable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions.
A roller coaster injury claim may involve:
- Negligent operation or maintenance: the park didn’t inspect, repair, or run the ride safely.
- Failure to warn: the park knew about risks but didn’t tell riders.
- Defective design: the ride itself was built in a way that put riders at risk, which can also involve the manufacturer.
Timing matters. If you were hurt at a park in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long could cost you your right to recover.
What to Do If You’re Injured on a Roller Coaster
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Some head injuries take time to show symptoms.
- Report it to park staff and ask for a copy of the incident report.
- Write down the details: the ride name, date, time, and seat, plus any witnesses.
- Keep your records, including tickets, receipts, medical bills, and photos.
- Be careful with the park’s insurance company. Don’t sign anything or give a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer.
- Speak with a roller coaster brain injury attorney who can explain your options.
Talk to EOL About Your Roller Coaster Injury
A day at an amusement park should end with good memories, not a trip to the hospital. If you were hurt on a roller coaster or another amusement park ride, the injury team at Ethen Ostroff Law is here to help you understand your rights.
We offer free consultations, and you pay no fees unless we win. Call 610-510-8883 or fill out the form at eol.law today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Six Flags announced on September 29, 2026, that X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain is permanently closed. The ride had been shut down indefinitely since July 12, 2026, after two riders were hospitalized with brain bleeds.
CNN found more than a dozen reports of serious injuries and hospitalizations linked to X2 over nearly two decades, including at least two deaths. Reporters reviewed medical records, depositions, and court filings, and several cases involved bleeding on the brain.
At least three deaths have been alleged. CNN documented at least two deaths and more than a dozen serious injuries, and attorneys now say a third rider died in late 2025. More than 100 other people have come forward with brain injury claims from the last two years.
For most people, yes. Serious roller coaster injuries are rare. Still, follow posted height and health warnings, sit upright with your head facing forward, and skip intense rides if you have a heart, neck, or back condition, are pregnant, or recently had a head injury.
Yes, in rare cases. Sudden acceleration, twisting, and sharp changes in direction can stretch brain tissue and blood vessels, which may cause a concussion or brain bleed. Symptoms like a worsening headache, confusion, or vomiting call for immediate medical care.
You may be able to. If a park’s negligence caused or contributed to your injury, you could have a claim. Several lawsuits have already been filed over X2. An experienced attorney can review what happened and explain your options.
Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Then report the injury to park staff, request an incident report, save your tickets and records, and avoid giving statements to the park’s insurer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
