A man died at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday after falling from the Goliath roller coaster, witnesses said. The incident prompted the company to temporarily close nine roller coasters across six amusement parks.
Police confirmed one death and several injuries but did not initially explain how the incident happened. Local broadcaster WSB-TV subsequently reported four injuries, citing officials.
Six Flags said it closed similar attractions “out of an abundance of caution.” Cobb County police’s major crimes unit is investigating. Authorities have not established the cause.
Witnesses describe fall from ride
Riders told WXIA, also known as 11Alive, that the man struck the coaster several times after leaving his seat.
One witness said the ride’s souvenir photograph captured the falling man.
“He was in our pictures,” the witness said. “He fell and hit the car three different times.”
The witness said the man struck other riders before landing on the roof of a haunted-house attraction below.
Another witness said he had boarded with his son while his wife and daughter watched from the ground. These details came from witnesses rather than an official police account.
A husband and wife also described seeing the man fall and strike the coaster three times.
“We saw it all,” the husband said.
“We were having a great time and went to ‘Oh my God, what is happening?’” his wife said. “You don’t see things like this happen. It should never happen.”
Both said employees checked their safety harnesses before departure. Their account does not establish what caused the fatal incident.
Riders evacuated from stopped coaster
The incident left passengers stranded on an incline and prompted a park evacuation on October 12. Six Flags Over Georgia sits about 15 miles outside Atlanta.
WXIA helicopter footage showed a coaster train stopped on an incline around 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Workers helped passengers leave the cars and reach an adjacent stairway.
Six Flags said employees and local authorities responded immediately. The company also offered support to affected visitors and staff.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.
“The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.”
Goliath reaches 70 mph
Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard built Goliath, which opened at the Georgia park in 2006.
According to Six Flags, the roller coaster reaches 70 mph and rises 200 feet. The park describes it as a hypercoaster, featuring steep drops and high-speed sections.
The precautionary closures extend beyond the Georgia park while investigators examine the fatal incident. No confirmed finding has established a mechanical failure or explained how the man left his seat.
