Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster permanently shuts down after brain damage complaints

The popular roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, California, will be permanently closed after dozens of people said they suffered brain damage during the ride. “Although X2 has successfully passed numerous safety tests, we have decided to close the attraction because we believe it is the right choice,” said park president Brian Oerding.

One of California's most popular roller coasters will be closed permanently after dozens of people said they suffered brain damage during a ride. The Six Flags Magic Mountain attraction But it also sparked a series of legal complaints, including those filed by two women whose families say they were seriously injured in July on the attraction in Valencia, just north of Los Angeles.

Dozens of complaints of brain damage

Pamela Guillen, 40, suffered a severe subdural hematoma and brain compression after riding the X2 attraction on July 5, and underwent emergency surgery that required doctors to remove part of her skull, her family told CNN in an inquest last month. Less than a week later, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, 25, of Los Angeles, lost consciousness after riding a roller coaster and underwent emergency brain surgery. She remained in a coma for weeks and, according to her parents, is still unable to speak or breathe on her own. Four years ago a 22-year-old died after riding the carousel. The attraction was closed shortly after the second accident, but park officials announced the permanent closure on Tuesday.

Park President: “The safety of the attractions is our pillar”

“After nearly 20 years, we have decided to permanently retire X2,” said park president Brian Oerding. “Since opening in 2008, X2 has welcomed more than 16 million visitors and has earned a passionate following among attraction lovers,” he said. “Although X2 has consistently passed numerous safety tests, we have decided to close the attraction because we believe it is the right thing to do. Attraction safety is a fundamental pillar of our business, and when we see visitor confidence being compromised, we take the matter very seriously.”