A family from California has taken legal action against Six Flags Magic Mountain, citing a defective ride design after their son, aged 22, suffered fatal head trauma on the X2 attraction. The incident reportedly took place in the summer of 2022.

Christopher Hawley, a graduate of San Diego State University, visited the theme park located in Los Angeles County with his family. After riding the X2 roller coaster, he reportedly collapsed and passed away shortly thereafter, as reported by Fox 11 Los Angeles.

In a separate incident, another rider on the X2 was discovered unconscious on July 5, 2026, which led to the ride’s closure for over a month, according to reports by KTLA.

The family claims the X2 coaster, which features seats that rotate 360 degrees, is unusually harsh. The ride allegedly caused Christopher’s injuries, described by his family as exceptional in severity.

Alex, Christopher’s younger brother, described the ride as “intensely violent,” mentioning that it jerked riders around and concluded with a jolt, causing passengers’ heads to slam into the headrests. Alex told the local station, “It was very rough. It just jerked us all around.”

Christopher reportedly appeared noticeably ill after exiting the ride, with his face turning red before suddenly collapsing. Emergency services transported him to the hospital, but he died the next day.

The family said a surgeon compared Christopher’s injuries to shaken baby syndrome, indicating that the brain experienced severe movement within the skull, leading to swelling, bruising, and bleeding. “The surgeon likened it to shaken baby syndrome,” said William, Christopher’s father. “The ride hit his head so hard it ruptured his brain.”

Six Flags declined to provide a direct comment on the lawsuit to Fox News Digital. However, they informed Fox 11 that the ride remains closed following the separate July 2026 incident involving an unconscious rider. “The ride remains closed at this time. It has been closed since the evening of July 12th,” said Six Flags.

The family has alleged that the park and its employees, along with the roller coaster manufacturer, failed to adequately warn the public about the potential risks of the ride. X2 has been marketed as one of the park’s most intense experiences.

A jury trial is scheduled for September 8, involving Six Flags, the ride’s manufacturer, and park staff.

Christopher Hawley was a recent San Diego State University graduate at the time of his death following the roller coaster ride.

Both the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner did not immediately provide comments regarding the incident.