Following the accident, merchandise and references to the Smiler were removed from the park. The coaster was closed for the rest of the year. The fate of the ride was unknown until 24 November 2015, when Alton Towers announced that the accident was caused by human error and the ride would reopen in 2016.

No, The Smiler has not been removed and remains one of the flagship attractions at Alton Towers Resort in the UK as of early 2026. Despite its controversial history and the high-profile accident in 2015, the ride underwent extensive safety upgrades and has been operating successfully for nearly a decade since its reopening. It continues to hold the world record for the most inversions on a roller coaster, with 14 loops packed into a relatively compact 1,170-meter track. Located in the X-Sector of the park, the Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster reaches speeds of 85 km/h and subjects riders to a staggering 4.5G. In 2026, it remains a "bucket-list" ride for thrill-seekers due to its unique psychological "Marmaliser" theme and its intense, disorienting layout. While the park frequently refreshes its lineup and has retired older classics like "Nemesis" for complete re-tracking (now Nemesis Reborn), The Smiler remains a permanent and very popular fixture in the Alton Towers skyline.