At a time when Six Flags is rebranding its identity across North America, one of its most talked-about coasters has once again paused mid-ride.
The incident occurred at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, where the highly anticipated tilt coaster Siren’s Curse brought riders to a standstill 160 feet in the air. The brief stoppage lasted around 20 minutes, during which guests remained tilted at a sharp 45-degree angle.
As visuals and commentary circulated online, the moment became another footnote in what has been a transitional — and at times rocky — few years for the Six Flags brand.
What's Happening at Six Flags?
In July 2024, Six Flags completed its merger with Cedar Fair, bringing together two of the largest theme park operators in North America.
The combined portfolio includes more than 40 parks across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — from Magic Mountain in California to Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Cedar Point.
This merger came with a mission: streamline operations, maximize profitability, and focus on marquee parks and attractions. But that strategy has involved difficult decisions, including the closure of Six Flags America in Maryland, set to shutter in November, and California’s Great America, which will follow in 2027.
Some long-standing attractions have also quietly disappeared. Kingda Ka — once the world’s tallest and fastest coaster — was permanently closed at Six Flags Great Adventure. Controversially, the news wasn’t confirmed until after the ride had already stopped operating.
Earlier this year, there were also reports that mass layoffs had impacted the Cedar Point leadership team, as well as other full-time employees.
This all forms the backdrop for Cedar Point’s Siren’s Curse, a ride that was meant to represent the future — sleek, thrilling, and narratively rich. Inspired by eerie legends of creatures lurking beneath Lake Erie, the ride opened in June as North America’s tallest, fastest, and longest tilt coaster.
Riders Left Hanging — Again
The latest incident took place on July 19, when the ride came to a halt during its signature tilt maneuver. Though some reports stated the pause lasted up to 30 minutes, the park later clarified that the duration was closer to 20. It resumed shortly after.
“The coaster's safety system performed as designed, the ride was restarted, and guests continued their ride,” said Cedar Point spokesperson Tony Clark in a statement to the Akron Beacon Journal. “It reopened shortly after and all guests exited the ride safely.”
sirens curse got stopped/stuck mid tilt for about 30 minutes
its gotta be terrifying for some being stuck like that for so long, ride ops should be ashamed of themselves especially for a ride like this with a psychological element to it
sirens curse got stopped/stuck mid tilt for about 30 minutes
its gotta be terrifying for some being stuck like that for so long, ride ops should be ashamed of themselves especially for a ride like this with a psychological element to it pic.twitter.com/bVfnhMCEv5
— Jay Viruet 🦆 (@JayViruet) July 20, 2025
Two similar pauses occurred earlier in the summer. The first happened during its opening weekend when Siren’s Curse temporarily halted at the same tilt position due to sensor errors. That stop lasted about 10 minutes. A second stall on July 2 saw the ride pause again, though this time without the dramatic face-down suspension.
The Cost of Growing Pains
For theme park insiders, incidents like these are not unusual for complex new rides, especially in their early operational phases. While some guests voiced frustration on social media, others viewed it as an expected hiccup in a park’s pursuit of technical ambition.
🧜 #SirensCurse. Experience the tilt June 28. 🎢
Siren’s Curse opens June 28, but YOU can ride it EARLY! Help support @PrayerfromMaria & enjoy EXCLUSIVE ride time on June 26. Details 👉 https://t.co/wMWyTfRWtD pic.twitter.com/hAOrqABkSi
— Cedar Point (@cedarpoint) June 4, 2025
Unconfirmed online rumors have suggested the July 19 stoppage may have been manually triggered by staff after spotting a guest using a mobile phone. The park has not addressed these claims, and the coaster was running again that same day.
As Six Flags works to re-establish itself in an increasingly competitive entertainment market, the rollout of new attractions — especially ones as hyped as Siren’s Curse — carries weight. Beyond thrills, they represent a signal of innovation, investment, and the direction the company hopes to take.
Have you experienced Siren's Curse yet?
