The company that supplied the replacement coaster trains for Six Flags Magic Mountain's X2 roller coaster has asked a judge to approve a settlement with the family of a 22-year-old San Diego State University graduate who collapsed and later died after riding the attraction in 2022. S&S Worldwide Inc. filed court papers this week seeking the judge's blessing on a proposed accord with William and Anne Hawley, the parents of the late Christopher Hawley.
The Hawleys filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Magic Mountain and S&S Worldwide Inc. in connection with their son's death. According to the family's attorneys, Christopher Hawley was in good health when he visited Magic Mountain with his younger brother and cousin. After getting off the X2 ride, he reportedly "walked haltingly, clutched a railing for support and complained that his head hurt before collapsing." He never regained consciousness and died the following day, June 24, 2022. The lawsuit alleges a CT scan revealed a catastrophic subdural hematoma, and a coroner's report attributed his death to head trauma from the park ride accident. Family attorney Timothy A. Loranger said Christopher’s family is "determined to seek justice and accountability."
In court papers filed with Judge Andrew E. Cooper, S&S attorneys described the proposed resolution as a "fair and ball park approximation of S&S’ potential share of liability." This request comes ahead of an October 22 hearing. The company's attorneys noted that while they are seeking approval, evidence to date could lead a jury to conclude that S&S is not liable at all, or only for a portion of the alleged incident which resulted in the claimed damage.
S&S Worldwide's court papers further argue that when the X2 was commissioned, tests determined the acceleration forces produced by the ride were not hazardous or dangerous. Their attorneys stated the X2 coaster trains operated exactly as intended and designed, performing as constructed. The company also emphasized that it had nothing to do with the ride’s upkeep, a responsibility charged to Magic Mountain.
This legal development unfolds as the X2 roller coaster itself was shut down in July for an ongoing safety investigation. That investigation is reportedly unrelated to the Hawley case. Meanwhile, the trial for the portion of the lawsuit against Six Flags Magic Mountain is scheduled to begin on September 8.
