The family of a 22-year-old man from California, Christopher Hawley, has filed a lawsuit against Six Flags Magic Mountain, alleging wrongful death following a ride on the park’s extreme roller coaster, the X2. The incident occurred on June 23, 2022, when Hawley visited the amusement park with his brother and cousin.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on March 18, details that Hawley was seated alone in a row ahead of his relatives on the X2 roller coaster. The ride reportedly came to a sudden and violent stop, after which Hawley complained of a headache before collapsing and losing consciousness.
The legal document further states that Hawley’s companions observed him struggling to walk down the off-ramp, using the handrail for support. Paramedics were called to the scene when Hawley lost consciousness at the park. Following an initial assessment in a medical tent, he was transported to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
The lawsuit reveals that a CT scan at the hospital showed a severe right subdural hematoma, a type of brain injury, allegedly caused by the rough nature of the ride. Despite receiving treatment, Hawley’s condition worsened, leading to brain death. He passed away the following day due to his injuries. The coroner’s report confirmed that Hawley’s death resulted from a “shearing injury” to the brain, caused by a “park ride accident.”
The lawsuit also criticizes the marketing of the X2 roller coaster, which emphasizes its extreme nature and innovative design. The ride, which features seats that rotate 360 degrees vertically, is described as a “fourth dimension” roller coaster. The X2’s predecessor, the X, was the world’s first fourth dimension roller coaster and had a history of delays and shutdowns due to functionality issues.
The lawsuit alleges that despite redesigning the ride and rebranding it as the X2, there have been reports of injuries. It also claims that the ride has been consistently criticized by passengers, park patrons, and employees for being dangerous and causing harm.
The legal document asserts that Hawley and his companions were properly secured in their seats, but the park failed to adequately warn them of the potential for serious or fatal head or brain injuries. Hawley’s parents are now suing Six Flags Magic Mountain for wrongful death. Their attorney, Ari Friedman of the Wisner Baum law firm, stated that this is not the first time someone has been seriously injured on the X2 ride.
Six Flags Magic Mountain has yet to comment on the lawsuit.