Fatal Head Trauma Lawsuit Against Six Flags Magic Mountain: The X2 Roller Coaster Controversy
A family from California has filed a lawsuit against Six Flags Magic Mountain, claiming that the X2 roller coaster's design was defective and led to the fatal head trauma of their 22-year-old son. The incident occurred during the summer of 2022 when Christopher Hawley visited the theme park with his family. After riding the X2 roller coaster, Hawley collapsed and tragically passed away the following day. Another incident involving the X2 roller coaster occurred on July 5, 2026, when a rider was found unconscious, resulting in the attraction's closure for over a month.
Christopher's family described the X2 ride as exceptionally rough and violent, with his younger brother, Alex, recounting that the ride jerked passengers around before abruptly ending with a jolt that caused their heads to slam into the headrests. Following the ride, Christopher appeared unwell and collapsed, leading to his hospitalization and eventual death due to blunt-force head trauma sustained from the attraction.
The family likened Hawley's injuries to shaken baby syndrome, where violent forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, resulting in potential swelling, bruising, and bleeding. Six Flags Magic Mountain confirmed that the X2 ride remains closed since the July 2026 incident involving the unconscious rider. A jury trial involving Six Flags, the manufacturer of the X2 roller coaster, and park employees is set to begin on September 8.
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed to adequately warn the public about the risks associated with the X2 ride, which is known for its intense nature and features seats that rotate 360 degrees. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner have not provided immediate comments on the matter. The tragic incident has raised concerns about ride safety and the responsibility of amusement parks to ensure the well-being of their guests.