Over 100 people say rollercoaster linked to deaths left them with brain damage
Over 100 people have claimed that a popular rollercoaster at a Six Flags theme park in California left them with traumatic brain injuries.
The X2 rollercoaster had been a fan-favourite among thrill-seekers at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, boasting high speeds, a steep 200ft drop, 360 degree spins, and flips.
But earlier this summer, a CNN investigation found that the coaster had been linked to incidents of brain damage and, tragically, deaths, prompting the theme park to shut the ride down.
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The ride, which had previously been marketed by Six Flags as a 'rite of passage for the ultimate daredevil', has been linked to several incidents over the last 20 years.
Civil attorney Christopher Bulone announced on Tuesday (22 September) that three lawsuits were being filed against Six Flags this week, claiming that the company 'has been willingly gambling with people's lives.'
Those three lawsuits come from people who allege they suffered 'catastrophic brain damage' after riding the X2 rollercoaster.
One lawsuit filed on Monday (21 September) was by Los Angeles man Michael Wilk, who alleges he experienced brain bleeding that required multiple brain surgeries after riding the rollercoaster back in February.
Wilk, an attorney, claimed that as a result of the injuries, he was no longer able to practice law.
"My brain has difficulty processing the words, and so unless it’s extraordinarily clear and loud, my brain gets the word wrong. I think I miss about half the conversations I’m in," he told the news outlet.
"I truly hope that by coming forward, changes will be made."
Another lawsuit filed this week was by Naomi Greer Wilkinson, who claims she collapsed after riding X2, and had to be taken to hospital, where medics found she was suffering from a brain haemorrhage.
Her mother Artemis Greer told CNN: “Naomi should have never ever in a million years even had the option to get on that ride."
Naomi has since spoken out about the frightening incident, sharing that she needed to undergo emergency surgery and be placed in an induced coma to assist her recovery.
As well as those lawsuits, attorneys shared that they now represent more than 100 people have come forward with shocking claims of brain injuries after riding X2 in the last two years.
The X2 ride is currently closed, though Six Flags has not said why.
The theme park has not officially responded to allegations about the ride.
LADBible has approached a representative of Six Flags for comment.
Ali Condon