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Credit: Six Flags Magic MountainA Six Flags roller coaster accident leads to death? The rush of adrenaline, the screams of excitement, the sheer exhilaration of defying gravity—rollercoasters are designed to thrill, are they not? But for one California family, a day at Six Flags Magic Mountain became an unimaginable nightmare.
What was supposed to be an afternoon of fun ended in tragedy, leaving them with more questions than answers.
What happened on that fateful day, and why are they now fighting for accountability?
Six Flags Attraction Causes Accident That Leads to Death: A Thrilling Ride With a Devastating End
On June 23, 2022, 22-year-old Christopher Hawley joined his younger brother, Alex, and their cousin for an adventure at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California. The trio eagerly boarded X2, one of the park’s most extreme rollercoasters. Known for its rotating seats, 215-foot drop, and speeds reaching 76 mph, X2 delivers an unpredictable and disorienting experience.
Little did Christopher know that this ride would be his last.
According to a lawsuit filed by his family, the rollercoaster came to a “sudden, abrupt, and violent halt” toward the end of the ride. The jarring motion threw Christopher forward in his seat. As the ride concluded, Alex and their cousin noticed Christopher gripping the rail for support as he stumbled down the exit ramp. When they approached him, he murmured that his head hurt. Moments later, he collapsed.
He never regained consciousness. News outlets like the Los Angeles Times, ABC7 Los Angeles, and more have already reported on this tragic incident.
A Medical Mystery—and a Family’s Fight for Answers
Paramedics rushed Christopher to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia, where a CT scan revealed the devastating reality: a catastrophic right subdural hematoma. The severe brain injury, his family alleges, was caused by the force of the rollercoaster’s violent stop.
Less than 24 hours later, Christopher was gone.
His parents, Anne and William Hawley, were left reeling, struggling to comprehend how their healthy, vibrant son could suffer a fatal injury on a ride meant for entertainment. But what devastated them even more was the response from Six Flags—or, rather, the lack thereof.
“They won’t explain to us what happened,” William Hawley said during a press conference. “They’ve essentially gone dark. The only way we’ve been able to contact them is through our attorney.”
A Pattern of Negligence?
The Hawley family’s lawsuit, filed last year, accuses Six Flags Magic Mountain of negligence, claiming that the park failed to ensure the ride’s safety and neglected to warn guests about potential risks. Their attorney, Ari Friedman, pointed out that Christopher’s tragic death isn’t an isolated incident.
“This is not the first time someone has sustained a serious injury as a result of riding X2,” Friedman stated. “There have been previous reports of guests suffering whiplash, head trauma, and other injuries due to the ride’s violent movements.”
In fact, another guest, a woman from San Bernardino, filed a lawsuit in 2021 after claiming that X2 caused “shock and injury to her nervous system.” Six Flags, at the time, dismissed her claims, asserting that expert testing proved the ride wasn’t responsible for her injuries. A judge later ruled in favor of the park, removing Six Flags Magic Mountain as a defendant in that case.
But Christopher’s case is different. His family believes there is undeniable evidence that X2 is inherently dangerous—and they want to make sure no other family suffers the same heartbreak.
A Legal Battle That Could Change Theme Park Safety
As the Hawleys prepare for their upcoming trial, scheduled for October 13, they are seeking $10 million in compensatory damages. But for them, the case isn’t just about financial restitution—it’s about forcing Six Flags to take responsibility.
“We want to make sure that that ride isn’t going to kill somebody else,” William Hawley said.
The lawsuit raises critical questions about the accountability of amusement parks and whether thrill rides are being maintained and operated safely. If Six Flags is found liable, it could set a major precedent for how theme parks handle ride safety and guest injuries moving forward.
What’s Next for Six Flags and Theme Park Accident Safety?
As of now, Six Flags Magic Mountain has remained silent on the matter, declining to comment due to the pending litigation. However, the case is already sparking wider discussions about the safety of high-intensity thrill rides and whether stricter regulations should be enforced in the amusement park industry.
For theme park enthusiasts, Christopher’s story serves as a sobering reminder: while rollercoasters are designed to entertain, the thrill should never come at the cost of a life.
As the trial date approaches, many will be watching to see if Six Flags is held accountable for this sade, tragic accident—or if the family’s search for answers will continue to go unanswered.