A popular roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain, known as X2, has been linked to two tragic deaths and over a dozen serious brain injuries in nearly twenty years of operation. The standout ride, which boasts spinning seats and speeds of nearly 80 mph, has been closed since July following catastrophic injuries to two riders.

Medical records and legal documents reviewed by a CNN investigation revealed alarming safety issues tied to X2. These included cases of coma and severe disability among riders, raising questions about the ride’s safety protocols.

In 2022, 22-year-old Christopher Hawley, a healthy college graduate, collapsed shortly after riding X2 and died within ten hours. Neurological experts compared his injuries to “shaken baby syndrome,” highlighting the potential severity of the forces experienced on the coaster.

Hawley’s family recently settled a lawsuit against Six Flags, which claimed that internal park records indicated at least 70 complaints regarding head and neck injuries in the three years leading to his tragic death.

The incidents escalated in July, when two riders suffered life-threatening injuries within a week of each other. Pamela Guillen, 40, underwent surgery to remove part of her skull after riding the coaster with her daughter.

Guillen described her ordeal, stating, “You go in as yourself, and then when you come back, you’re a medical emergency.” Her account underscores the ride’s unexpected dangers.

Just six days after Guillen’s injury, 25-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson lost consciousness after her ride on X2 and is currently in a coma, further compounding concerns over the ride’s safety.

Following these alarming incidents, Six Flags closed X2 on July 12, but has remained largely silent regarding the reasons for the closure. Legal representatives for the amusement park maintained that adequate warning signs about the “inherent risks” of the ride were posted and that the forces exerted cannot harm a “normal” rider.

However, state regulators have announced that their investigation into the ride’s safety is ongoing, adding another layer of scrutiny to the park’s operations.

This series of incidents has reignited debates over amusement park safety regulations and the responsibilities of operators in ensuring the well-being of their guests.

Joshua Wilkinson, the father of Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, has voiced his deep concerns about the ride and the park’s accountability. “It’s got to stop,” he stressed, calling for more rigorous safety measures.

The roller coaster industry faces heightened pressure as advocates demand better safety checks and regulations, especially for rides that feature extreme speed and potential for injury.

The fallout from the injuries associated with X2 may resonate beyond just Six Flags Magic Mountain. It could prompt reviews of safety protocols at amusement parks across the country, leading to calls for more stringent regulations.

As families continue to grapple with the consequences of these injuries, the dialogue surrounding amusement park safety is more crucial than ever.

Six Flags has yet to announce any changes or updates regarding X2 as the investigation unfolds. Authorities and safety advocates will be closely monitoring the developments.

For now, the future of X2 remains uncertain, and the safety of thrill-seekers hangs in the balance as calls for accountability and safety improvements take center stage.

As this story develops, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in the pursuit of thrills, prompting riders and operators to reconsider the risks they take at amusement parks.