The family of a 22-year-old college graduate who died after riding a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain is suing the amusement park giant, saying their son never should have gotten on that ride — and no one else should either.
Christopher Hawley, a recent San Diego State graduate with a clean bill of health, died just one day after riding the X2 roller coaster in June 2022. His family believes the ride caused a catastrophic brain injury that ultimately killed him. Now, they’re demanding accountability from Six Flags.
“Christopher was young, healthy, and full of life,” said his father, William Hawley. “He walked into that park laughing. He didn’t walk out.”
The Ride That Changed Everything
On June 23, 2022, Christopher visited Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, with his younger brother and cousin. The trio lined up for the X2, a ride infamous among thrill-seekers for its twisting, rotating seats and vertical drops.
According to Six Flags’ own website, X2 spins riders 360 degrees and sends them hurtling face-first down from 200 feet in the air. The ride is marketed as the first “4D” coaster in the world — a high-adrenaline experience with built-in chaos.
But the complaint filed by the Hawley family in Los Angeles County Superior Court paints a darker picture. It describes the ride as “extremely rough” and says it “jerked its riders around like rag dolls.” Christopher, seated alone in front of his brother and cousin, stumbled out disoriented and in pain.
He grabbed a railing for support, said his head hurt — and moments later, collapsed. He was taken to the park’s medical tent before being rushed to a local hospital. Less than 24 hours later, he was dead.
What Went Wrong?
A coroner’s report concluded that Christopher died from blunt force head trauma consistent with a “park ride accident.” The family’s lawsuit alleges that Six Flags, its parent company, and ride engineers failed on multiple fronts — poor ride design, lack of proper warnings, and a disregard for past injury reports.
“This wasn’t a fluke,” said William Hawley. “We’ve since learned that others have suffered serious injuries on X2 — broken spines, neck damage, even brain trauma. But the park kept it open.”
According to the lawsuit, Six Flags and Magic Mountain were aware of these incidents but did not update safety signage or modify the ride. The family believes existing warnings are outdated and dangerously vague.
A History of Trouble?
While Six Flags has denied the allegations — telling the Los Angeles Times the ride is safe and regularly inspected — the family insists that the company had prior knowledge of risks. The suit states there were numerous prior complaints and injury reports, some involving “severe back, spine, neck, and head injuries.”
Legal experts say the case could hinge on whether Six Flags failed to warn riders or ignored evidence of recurring problems.
“This kind of litigation isn’t just about one tragedy,” said personal injury attorney Karen DeSoto, who is not involved in the case. “It’s about whether a company knew something was dangerous — and kept doing it anyway.”
A Family’s Mission
Christopher’s loved ones say they aren’t just seeking compensation. They want change.
“This ride should never have been operating,” said William Hawley. “We want to make sure that it’s not going to kill somebody else’s child.”
Christopher was described as bright, athletic, and close with his family. He had just celebrated his graduation and was preparing for his next chapter. Now, his family is left to grieve — and fight.
Six Flags has not issued a public statement beyond denying the claims in court.
The X2 ride remains open to the public.
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