At theme parks, thrill rides are thrilling because of the fear factor. You can soar from towering heights, drop faster than gravity, and speed faster than cars, all from the safety of your ride vehicle. So when something goes wrong, things go very, very badly.
©Six Flags
Over 100 riders have suffered traumatic brain injuries from a Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coaster in the last two years alone.
X2 has long been the marquee attraction at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, drawing thrill-seekers from around the world with its rotating seats, near-vertical drops, and unpredictable movements. But more than 100 people say they suffered brain injuries, life-altering injuries, and deaths following a CNN investigation.
©Six Flags
Three lawsuits were filed against Six Flags this week over X2 ride incidents. 26-year-old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson and 40-year-old Pamela Guillen both fell unconscious after getting off X2 and underwent emergency brain surgery for severe traumatic brain injuries. Surgeons determined their injuries were caused by “a traumatic rapid acceleration-deceleration event experienced while on the X2 ride,” according to CNN. Guillen was forced to learn how to talk and walk again and needs medication to prevent seizures, while Greer-Wilkinson remains in a coma as her parents hold onto hope that she will someday wake up.
Pamela Guillen and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson ©Rory Ward/CNN
Los Angeles attorney Michael Wilk suffered massive brain bleeding that required multiple brain surgeries after riding X2 in February. Wilk has been left disabled by his injuries, battling severe headaches, memory loss, and brain fog, and is unable to work or practice law. “My brain has difficulty processing the words, and so unless it’s extraordinarily clear and loud, my brain gets the word wrong,” he said. “I truly hope that by coming forward, changes will be made.”
Michael Wilk ©KCAL/KCBS
Six Flags “has been willingly gambling with people’s lives,” civil attorney Christopher Bulone said at a news conference Tuesday. “No ride like that should be allowed to exist.” Six Flags did not respond to CNN’s request, but X2 has been closed since July 12th, 2026, following medical incidents and ongoing safety reviews by California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
©Six Flags
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on more Six Flags ride incidents. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Six Flags news.
New Report Reveals 5 Incidents at Disney World, Including 1 Death
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