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Family Sues Six Flags After Son's Fatal Roller Coaster Accident
24 Aug
Summary
- A family is suing Six Flags Magic Mountain over alleged defective ride design.
- Their 22-year-old son died from fatal head trauma after riding the X2 attraction.
- A separate incident on the X2 ride involved an unconscious rider in July 2026.
A California family is pursuing legal action against Six Flags Magic Mountain following the tragic death of their 22-year-old son, Christopher Hawley, in the summer of 2022. The family alleges that the X2 roller coaster's design was defective, leading to the fatal head trauma their son sustained. Hawley, a recent college graduate, reportedly collapsed shortly after experiencing the ride and passed away the next day.
His family described the X2 attraction as exceptionally rough, with his brother noting intense jerking motions that caused heads to slam into headrests. A surgeon likened Hawley's injuries to shaken baby syndrome, indicating severe cranial trauma. The lawsuit further contends that Six Flags and other defendants failed to provide adequate warnings about the inherent risks associated with the ride.
This litigation follows another incident involving the X2 roller coaster on July 5, 2026, when a rider was found unconscious, leading to the attraction's closure for over a month. Six Flags has stated the ride remains closed as of August 24, 2026, following that incident. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026, involving Six Flags, the ride's manufacturer, and park employees.
