Six Flags Magic Mountain reaches settlement in fatal X2 roller coaster lawsuit

Key Points:

• A wrongful death lawsuit involving Six Flags Magic Mountain and S&S Worldwide Inc. has been settled, resolving the case of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley’s fatal injury on the X2 roller coaster in June 2022.
• Hawley suffered catastrophic head trauma after riding X2, collapsing shortly after disembarking, and died the following day; medical examiners linked his death to blunt force head trauma sustained on the ride.
• The financial terms and specific details of the settlements have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if there were prior warnings or maintenance issues related to the ride.
• Hawley’s family described the ride’s violent motion and expressed their grief, while attorneys emphasized the importance of safety and accountability in amusement park operations.
• The X2 coaster has been closed since July 12, and the planned September trial was canceled; state regulators continue an independent safety investigation into the ride.