Wrongful Death Lawsuit: 22-Year Old Dies at Six Flags Magic Mountain

One of the most significant personal injury cases in California in recent months has been that of Christopher Hawley. This 22-year-old college student’s tragic story has drawn widespread media attention due to the devastating outcome of what should have been a fun day out riding roller coasters. After visiting Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hawley sustained a fatal brain injury on the park’s X2 ride. As a result, his family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Six Flags.

This heartbreaking case highlights the critical importance of consumer safety and the urgent need for corporate accountability when preventable accidents result in serious injury or death.

In this blog, we will look at the details of the incident, the legal action taken by Hawley’s family, and what you should know if you or a loved one has been injured—or worse—at a theme park.

If you suffered an injury due to ride operator negligence or park mismanagement, act now. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your case online to explore your legal rights and options.

What Happened at Six Flags Magic Mountain?

On June 23, 2022, Christopher Hawley, a 22-year-old recent graduate of San Diego State University, visited Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, accompanied by his older brother and cousin.

The park is world-renowned for housing one of the largest collections of roller coasters. Many of its rides are high-speed, feature extreme drops and sharp twists, and are especially popular among thrill-seeking young adults like Christopher. One of its most intense and iconic attractions is the X2 roller coaster.

X2 is a four-dimensional (4D) roller coaster, where the seats rotate independently as the train moves along the track. The ride includes 215-foot drops, reaches speeds up to 76 mph, and features 360-degree spins combined with sudden seat inversions. These elements make it one of the most physically intense rides in the park.

Attracted by the thrill, Christopher and his relatives decided to board X2. However, immediately after the ride ended, he reported feeling unwell. He complained of a severe headache and, while walking down the exit ramp, stumbled and lost consciousness.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a cerebral hemorrhage and a critical prognosis. Tragically, Christopher passed away the next day. The coroner later confirmed that the cause of death was a traumatic brain injury—presumably caused by the extreme forces of the ride.

Family Sues for Wrongful Death After Fatal Brain Injury on X2

Following the tragic death of Christopher Hawley, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Six Flags Magic Mountain.

In their complaint, Anne and William Hawley allege that the park was negligent in several critical ways. These include poor ride design, failure to adequately warn riders of potential health risks, and insufficient safety precautions. According to the court documents, the X2 roller coaster “jerked riders around like rag dolls” before coming to a sudden and violent stop. These conditions may have caused or worsened Christopher’s fatal brain injury.

The lawsuit also claims that the Six Flags park staff failed to provide prompt medical assistance after Christopher showed clear signs of distress. The family contends that this delay in care likely contributed to the severity of his condition.

A central argument in the case is that this was not an isolated incident. The family’s legal team cites multiple prior complaints from X2 riders who reported head, neck, and leg injuries. Despite these warnings, Six Flags allegedly took no action to improve the ride’s safety protocols.

The Hawley family is now seeking accountability for what they describe as a preventable and devastating loss. The lawsuit demands compensation for emotional suffering, medical expenses, funeral costs, and the irreplaceable loss of a young life. According to media reports, the family is seeking $10 million in damages. Six Flags has not yet issued a public response to the legal action.

Past Injury Incidents

Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the most popular amusement parks in the country, but it has also been the scene of numerous serious accidents. In fact, its location in Valencia, California, has one of the highest reported rates of injuries and fatalities among all Six Flags parks. As detailed below, this concerning history lends strong support to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the Hawley family.

Documented Cases Related to X2 Ride

The X2 roller coaster has been the subject of multiple injury lawsuits in recent years:

2021 – Severe Neurological Injury: A woman from San Bernardino filed a lawsuit against Six Flags after sustaining a concussion and damage to her nervous system while riding the X2 roller coaster. Her injuries resulted in a permanent disability.

2010 – Amputation Injury: Charles Rogers, a paraplegic visitor, suffered a fractured right femur during the ride. The injury led to the amputation of his right leg. He later received a $300,000 settlement.

These incidents reveal a disturbing pattern of serious injuries linked to X2 and highlight the park’s repeated failure to implement critical safety improvements.

Other Serious Incidents at Six Flags Magic Mountain 

Beyond the X2, several other attractions at Six Flags Magic Mountain have also been involved in alarming accidents:

• Goliath (2001): A 28-year-old woman died after reportedly suffering a brain aneurysm triggered by the ride’s intense drop.
• Ninja (2008): A man was fatally struck by a train on the Ninja ride after entering a restricted area to retrieve a lost hat. He died from severe head trauma.
• Ninja (2022): A pine tree branch fell onto the track, causing the first car to derail. This left riders suspended in midair for hours, resulting in four injuries.
• Revolution (2015): A 10-year-old girl lost consciousness on the ride and died the next day.

Opinions and Online Complaints from Six Flags Visitors

Although many complaints have not resulted in legal action, hundreds of visitors have expressed concerns online about the safety of certain attractions, particularly the X2 ride. Through social media and theme park forums, guests have frequently reported violent jolts to the head and neck, dizziness, pain, and symptoms resembling concussions after riding.

Furthermore, several users have accused ride operators of carelessness or negligence, raising additional concerns about the park’s enforcement of safety protocols.

Legal Options for Victims of Theme Park Accidents

An exciting day with friends or family can quickly turn tragic if a serious injury—or even an unexpected death—occurs. Although severe accidents are rare, they do happen and can have life-changing consequences.

Amusement parks such as Six Flags and Disneyland welcome millions of visitors each year. The high volume of guests, combined with the extreme nature of many attractions, can sometimes lead to operational errors, maintenance problems, or lapses in safety protocols. As a result, visitors may be exposed to risks that could have been prevented.

If you suffer injuries at an amusement park, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Do I have the right to file a claim? What legal options are available? Am I entitled to compensation for my injuries or losses?

What Are My Legal Rights After an Injury?

Taking legal action against large corporations can be intimidating. These companies often act quickly after an accident, frequently offering confidential settlements with minimal compensation to close cases and avoid further consequences.

But remember: the law is on your side.

Amusement parks have a legal duty to protect their visitors. If they breach this duty through negligence, inadequate maintenance, or failure to provide proper warnings, you have the right to seek justice. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Such claims can cover:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses.
• Lost income and diminished ability to work.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
• Funeral costs and loss of companionship.

In California, the statute of limitations allows you to file a claim within two years of the date of the accident.

That’s why it’s critical to have a skilled attorney on your side. At Adamson Ahdoot, we have decades of experience representing victims of corporate negligence. Our team will identify all responsible parties and develop a strong legal strategy to help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.

Hire the Best California Injury Lawyers for Your Case

When it comes to injuries at theme parks, having an experienced legal team on your side makes all the difference. At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand how challenging it can be to take on powerful corporations like Six Flags or Disney. That’s why we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the full compensation you deserve.

From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we provide personalized, transparent guidance every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation review of your injury case. Find out about your legal options and discover the best strategy for seeking justice.

Call us at (800) 310-1606 or submit your case through our website to begin the process.