Six flags: X2 the fun or X2 the injuries?
Described as "A rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil,” this fourth-dimension wing roller coaster will have even the most hardened thrill seeker screaming. To the average person, this coaster sounds pretty fun, but when researched further, many unanswered questions remain.
On July 5, 2026 Pamela Guillien, a 40 year old, had high hopes for this ride alongside many eager patrons. Before she could even say subdural hematoma, she passed out when she stepped off the ride. You may be wondering, “what the heck is subdural hematoma?” Well, it’s when the blood vessels near the brain surface tears. It can be caused by several heavy blows to the head, and in Guillien’s case that is what happened. Multiple acceleration/deceleration movements on the ride caused her head to repeatedly bang on the headrest. She was quickly rushed to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, where doctors underwent emergency brain surgery to save her life. Some may think that this damage to her head was due to some underlying health issues, but she was not the only victim to suffer from this. Nor did she have any health issues prior to this.
Six whole days later, there was another victim of subdural hematoma from the X2 ride. Twenty-five year old Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, visited the theme park with her twin brother and younger sister. Except this time, not only did she lose consciousness, undergo emergency brain surgery, and get a brain hemorrhage, but also– according to KBTX; “ Greer-Wilkinson remains in a coma and on a ventilator” (as of 8/31). According to her mother, Artemis Greer, she was very healthy and did not have a medical history before this. A representative from Six Flags came to visit the family in the hospital, and offered them McDonald’s (which is a little strange). But since then, the family hasn’t heard from Six Flags, even though they reached out.
Another victim, Chistopher Hawley passed away in June 2022 from the X2 ride. The family sued for wrongful death, and reached a confidential settlement with the park. But Six Flags says that– in their defense– that they have the roller coaster tested very often and that it isn’t powerful enough to create head trauma. While so many patrons have not been affected by the X2 ride, there have been two deaths, and at least 14 injuries. At least sixteen incidents have happened on this ride. In my opinion, just one injury would have been enough to close the ride down. I still think that they should. The first incident happened in 2014, when Selena O’Neill, who was 17 at the time, suffered from a subdural hematoma. This was the same thing both Guillien and Greer-Wilkinson suffered from a few weeks ago. Having the ride open for twelve years after a fatal incident speaks more about the principles of Six Flags more than anything else. Ultimately, we wish a quick recovery for Naomi and Pamela, and for X2 to finally shut down for good.
Sources
Six flags at Magic Mountain
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