The family of Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old California resident, has initiated legal proceedings against Six Flags Magic Mountain, accusing the amusement park of wrongful death. The lawsuit stems from an incident that took place on June 23, 2022, when Hawley visited the park with his brother and cousin and rode the X2 roller coaster, known for its extreme features.
The lawsuit, lodged in Los Angeles County Superior Court on March 18, provides a detailed account of the incident. It states that Hawley was seated alone in a row ahead of his family members on the X2 roller coaster. The ride abruptly and violently halted, after which Hawley complained of a headache, collapsed, and lost consciousness.
The lawsuit further elaborates that Hawley’s relatives saw him struggling to walk down the exit ramp, using the handrail for support. When Hawley lost consciousness at the park, paramedics were summoned. After an initial evaluation in a medical tent, he was rushed to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
The legal document reveals that a CT scan at the hospital detected a severe right subdural hematoma, a type of brain injury. The lawsuit alleges that this injury was a direct result of the roller coaster’s rough ride. Despite receiving medical attention, Hawley’s condition deteriorated, leading to brain death. He succumbed to his injuries the following day. The coroner’s report confirmed that a “shearing injury” to the brain, caused by a “park ride accident,” was the cause of Hawley’s death.
The lawsuit also criticizes the marketing of the X2 roller coaster, which touts its extreme nature and innovative design. The ride, which features seats that rotate 360 degrees vertically, is marketed 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 operational issues.
The lawsuit alleges that despite a redesign and rebranding of the ride 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 lawsuit 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 not yet responded to the lawsuit.