A California family has filed a civil lawsuit against Six Flags Magic Mountain, claiming the park’s X2 roller coaster was defectively designed and failed to warn riders of its extreme forces. The suit stems from the death of 22‑year‑old Christopher Hawley, a San Diego State University graduate, who suffered fatal head trauma after riding the attraction in the summer of 2022.
Incident details
According to local reports, Hawley rode the X2 coaster with his family and, shortly after the ride, appeared visibly ill. His face turned red and he collapsed on the platform. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he died the following day. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death an accident caused by blunt‑force head trauma sustained on the ride.
Hawley’s younger brother, Alex, described the experience as “intensely violent,” noting that the coaster jerked passengers around and delivered a final jolt that forced heads into the headrests. “It was very rough. It just jerked us all around and then our heads swung back into the headrest,” he told a local television station.
Medical comparison
Christopher’s father, William Hawley, said a surgeon compared his son’s injuries to shaken‑baby syndrome, a condition in which sudden, violent forces cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, leading to swelling, bruising and bleeding. “The surgeon said it was like shaken baby syndrome; the ride hit his head so hard it basically ruptured his brain,” William told the station.
Legal claims
The lawsuit alleges that Six Flags, the coaster’s manufacturer, and park employees failed to adequately warn the public about the ride’s risks. Plaintiffs seek damages for wrongful death and claim the park ignored known safety concerns. A jury trial involving the defendants is scheduled to begin on September 8.
Recent ride history
The X2 coaster has been the subject of another incident. On July 5, 2026, a rider was found unconscious, prompting the attraction to close for more than a month. Six Flags confirmed the ride remains closed following that incident, stating it has been shut down since the evening of July 12, 2026.
Six Flags declined to comment directly on the litigation, referring media inquiries to a standard statement about the ride’s closure.
Broader safety concerns
The case raises broader questions about amusement‑park safety standards and the responsibility of operators to inform guests of potential hazards. While X2 is marketed as one of the park’s most intense attractions, its rotating seats and rapid directional changes have drawn scrutiny from safety advocates.
Local officials, including the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, have not responded to requests for comment.
The lawsuit underscores the importance of parental vigilance and transparent risk communication for families seeking entertainment options that align with safety and health values.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
