Six Flags X2 Coaster Lawsuits: Brain Injuries Alleged! 🎢
Six Flags X2 Coaster Lawsuits: Brain Injuries Alleged! 🎢
Shocking new lawsuits claim Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster caused traumatic brain injuries. Over 100 victims, including one in a vegetative state. Is your favorite thrill ride safe?
Three individuals have filed new lawsuits against Six Flags Magic Mountain, alleging that the park's famed X2 roller coaster caused them to suffer traumatic brain injuries. These filings add to a growing number of complaints against the popular amusement park operator and S&S Worldwide, the manufacturer of the X2 ride, which is famously advertised as a rite of passage for "ultimate daredevils."
One of the plaintiffs, Pamela Guillen, visited the park in July for her daughter's 16th birthday. After riding the X2, her daughter found her with a "vacant stare" and her mouth open, confused and unable to exit the ride. Guillen, previously a healthy 39-year-old, collapsed shortly after and required emergency brain surgery.
Just five days later, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson also rode the X2 with her siblings.
She too collapsed soon after the ride concluded and was rushed to a hospital.
Doctors discovered massive brain bleeding that necessitated emergency surgery.
Tragically, she remains in a vegetative state, unable to speak or move, and is dependent on a ventilator.
Her family has filed the lawsuit on her behalf.
Attorney Gary Dordick, representing the victims, stated that his firm has been retained by over 100 clients who suffered brain injuries after riding the X2 roller coaster within the past two years. "It's inexcusable that more isn't done," Dordick said, emphasizing that Magic Mountain was allegedly aware of previous injuries and deaths but kept the ride operational.
Six Flags has stated it's their policy not to comment on pending litigation, but confirmed the ride has been closed since July 12th.
The X2 roller coaster, which debuted in 2002 as X and was revamped in 2008, is known for its extreme features. It reaches speeds of up to 76 mph, boasts a total length of 3,610 feet, and its seats rotate 360 degrees, designed to flip riders around throughout the experience. It also features two "raven turns", half loops that transition into sheer drops.
Discussions on Reddit forums among X2 fans have revealed "unspoken rules" on how to ride without injury, with many citing the final raven turn as particularly extreme and often causing major headaches or concussion-like symptoms if riders don't properly brace their heads.
Dordick attributes these injuries to the "snapping" motion that bangs the head against the headrest, causing brain damage and hemorrhaging.
Another client, Michael Wilk, visited the park in February with his daughter and grandchildren. Immediately after riding the X2, he experienced stabbing pain in his head, dizziness, and difficulty walking. Though he didn't seek immediate medical attention, his cognitive function rapidly declined in the following weeks, impacting his ability to work as an insurance defense attorney.
Months later, an MRI revealed massive bleeding and swelling inside his skull, requiring multiple surgeries.
Wilk now suffers from debilitating headaches, confusion, memory loss, and personality changes, and can no longer practice law.
His lawsuit accuses Six Flags of intentionally restricting "public disclosure of evidence concerning X2 injuries and safety issues." These new lawsuits follow a wrongful-death settlement in the case of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, who died in 2022 after riding the X2.
