Recent incidents raise safety concerns as investigations reveal a history of brain injuries associated with the ride
Category: Health
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s notorious X2 roller coaster has been linked to serious brain injuries and fatalities, prompting a temporary closure following alarming incidents in July 2026. A recent investigation by CNN revealed that two women suffered brain hemorrhages after riding the attraction just six days apart, heightening scrutiny over the ride’s safety record.
The X2, known for its extreme design featuring 360-degree rotating seats and speeds reaching up to 76 miles per hour, has a troubling history. Between 2019 and 2022, over 70 complaints of head and neck injuries were reported, alongside more than a dozen hospitalizations and two fatalities attributed to brain injuries. This troubling trend raises questions about the safety protocols in place at one of California's most popular amusement parks.
On July 5, 2026, Pamela Guillen was celebrating her daughter’s 16th birthday at Six Flags when she rode the X2. After disembarking, she lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with an acute subdural hematoma and brain compression. "It was seconds," Guillen recounted. "You go in as yourself, and then when you come back, you're a medical emergency." Her daughter, Camille Marquez, described the scene, saying, "We saw my mom... She looked lifeless. Not a thought behind her eyes. Nothing." Guillen underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her brain and has since been dealing with daily headaches and seizure prevention medications.
Just six days later, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a 25-year-old from Los Angeles, rode the same coaster and collapsed shortly after getting off. Her father, Joshua Wilkinson, stated that the jarring of the ride had caused bleeding in her brain. Greer-Wilkinson was also hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery. Her mother, Artemis Greer, expressed outrage, recalling a surgeon’s exclamation in the emergency room: "How many is it this month? They’ve gotta shut that ride down." Greer-Wilkinson remains in a coma, raising concerns about her long-term recovery.
The X2 roller coaster has been a staple of thrill-seeking amusement park visitors since its debut, but its history reveals a pattern of serious injuries. A CNN investigation highlighted that over the past two decades, more than a dozen riders have reported severe injuries requiring hospitalization, including the tragic death of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley in 2022. Hawley’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit after he died from blunt head trauma sustained on the ride, a case that was recently settled by Six Flags.
Six Flags has not publicly commented on the specifics of the recent incidents but previously stated in court documents that the X2 underwent daily inspections and claimed that a "normal" rider following instructions would not suffer a traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, the repeated incidents suggest a need for reevaluation of the safety measures in place. Attorney Christopher Bulone, representing the families affected, criticized the park’s operations, stating, "No ride should ever be dangerous enough for anyone that they're coming off of it with severe intracranial bleeding."
California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health oversees amusement park operations, but questions remain about the agency's role in ensuring the safety of rides like the X2. The agency did not respond to queries about the roller coaster’s inspection history or how it was allowed to remain operational after previous incidents.
The future of the X2 remains uncertain, as it has been closed since July 12, 2026, following the injuries to Guillen and Greer-Wilkinson. With over three million visitors to Magic Mountain each year, the park faces mounting pressure to address safety concerns and restore public confidence. The incidents have sparked discussions among lawmakers and safety advocates about the need for stricter regulations on amusement park rides.
As investigations continue, the families of the injured riders are left grappling with the aftermath of their experiences. Guillen, now recovering, reflects on her ordeal, stating, "I’m taking it a day at a time to not overwhelm myself and to not go into a dark hole of mourning who I was and what I was able to do before this." Meanwhile, Greer-Wilkinson's family remains hopeful for her recovery, grappling with the uncertainty of her condition.
In light of these incidents, it is clear that the X2 roller coaster's safety record must be thoroughly examined. The tragic outcomes associated with the ride serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can accompany thrill-seeking attractions. As the investigation progresses, the focus will be on ensuring that future amusement park operations prioritize rider safety above all else.