Man Dies After Falling From Six Flags Roller Coaster; Investigation Underway

A man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate response from first responders and the launch of an investigation into the cause of the fall.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victim appeared to levitate from his seat before falling from the ride, which reaches speeds of 70 mph and climbs over 200 feet. The man reportedly struck parts of the ride during his descent and ultimately landed on the roof of a haunted house attraction at the park. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with screams and panic erupting among other riders and parkgoers.

"The man started levitating in the air sideways," witness Logan Conner told WXIA. "We made direct eye contact with him."

Another witness recounted the horrifying moments, stating, "The ride hit him, and then he flew back up again, and it hit him again, and then that's when he was, I guess, flung from the ride." The same witness added, "It went from having a great time to just screaming, 'Oh my God, what is happening.'"

Officials confirmed that the victim was riding with his son. The park stated that the man's blood splattered onto other riders. The Goliath roller coaster has been temporarily closed as authorities conduct their investigation.

Six Flags released a statement expressing deep sadness over the incident. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones," the statement read. "The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation." The park is providing support to those affected and has temporarily closed similar rides at other parks as a precautionary measure.

Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called the event a "terrible tragedy" and confirmed that the deceased's next of kin had been notified. "I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one," Cupid said.

The Goliath roller coaster, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in 2006 and is the tallest roller coaster in Georgia. This incident follows a series of legal issues for Six Flags, including the recent announcement of the demolition of the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California due to alleged rider injuries and lawsuits, including a wrongful-death suit.

Officials have not yet released further details regarding the specific cause of the fall. The investigation is ongoing.