Six Flags roller coaster linked to brain injuries

Six Flags Magic Mountain’s X2 roller coaster in California is under intense scrutiny following a history of severe brain injuries and two deaths—a real-life scenario that sounds straight out of Final Destination.

A CNN investigation shows that the X2 has been closed since July after two women, Pamela Guillen, 40, and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, suffered similar brain hemorrhages and fell into comas within days of riding it. Only Guillen has woken up so far.

Doctors who treated the women said the injuries mirror those from violent crashes, but Six Flags and state regulators have allowed the attraction to operate for nearly 20 years despite mounting warnings.

Court filings and internal records reveal that, since 2022, at least 70 people have reported life-altering injuries and hospitalizations following the X2 ride. One of them, Christopher Hawley, 22, died from severe brain swelling within 10 hours of riding.

A similar fatality involving 28-year-old Hilda Farias occurred in 2010.

Hawley’s family reached a settlement Wednesday, avoiding a trial that had been scheduled for next month. Financial details were not disclosed.

The company argues that a sign informs riders of the “inherent risks” of participating in or riding any amusement ride or attraction.