Two Women Suffer Severe Brain Injuries After Riding X2 Roller Coaster at Six Flags

Two women have suffered severe brain injuries after riding the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The ride, known for its rotating seats and high speeds, has been closed since July 12, 2026, as investigations continue.

Pamela Guillen, a 40-year-old resident of Hawaii, rode X2 on July 5, 2026, while celebrating her daughter’s birthday. After the ride, she experienced vomiting and lost consciousness. Medical examinations revealed a severe subdural hematoma, necessitating emergency neurosurgery. Guillen has since regained consciousness and is undergoing rehabilitation.

Just days later, on July 11, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, a 25-year-old from Los Angeles, also rode X2 and subsequently lost consciousness. She was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and remains hospitalized in a coma, supported by a ventilator and feeding tube.

The incidents have prompted California’s Cal/OSHA to open an investigation. While Six Flags maintains that X2 undergoes regular inspections, the park disputes allegations that the ride inherently causes brain injuries. This follows a previous fatal incident in 2022 involving Christopher Hawley, whose death was attributed to blunt head trauma after riding X2.

Medical professionals have suggested that the injuries may be linked to the rapid acceleration-deceleration experienced on the ride. However, the investigation is ongoing, and no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding the ride’s safety.