Man Dies After Falling From Six Flags Roller Coaster While Family Watches
The incident occurred on the Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia, prompting a temporary closure of similar attractions nationwide.
A man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3:58 p.m. as the man was riding with his son, while his wife and daughter watched from below. He fell from his seat, striking the ride multiple times before falling onto the roof of an attraction.
Following the tragedy, Six Flags temporarily shut down similar roller coasters at its parks across the country out of an abundance of caution. The park has stated that guest and team member safety is a top priority. Local authorities are investigating the incident, and Six Flags is cooperating fully.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene. One person told 11 Alive that the falling man was captured on their souvenir photo. Another described the screams and confusion as the event unfolded. A person who was next in line reported hearing that a rider sitting next to the deceased had fallen out.
In the aftermath, riders who were still on the Goliath were evacuated. Footage shared on social media showed them being brought down a stairway from a steep incline on the ride.
Six Flags Over Georgia released a statement expressing deep sadness and offering condolences to the victim's family and loved ones, as well as support to those affected. Mableton Mayor Michael Owens and Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid also expressed their condolences and acknowledged the community's shock.
The Goliath, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in 2006 and reaches speeds of 70 mph with a maximum height of 200 feet. The cause of the fall remains unclear.
This incident follows another safety concern at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, which announced last month it was demolishing its X2 roller coaster. The decision came after multiple lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries and a wrongful-death suit filed by the family of a 22-year-old who died after riding the coaster in 2022. The X2 had been closed since July 12 after two women were hospitalized following rides, one of whom reportedly remains in a vegetative state.