Man Falls to Death From Six Flags Roller Coaster, Witnesses Describe Horrific Scene
The incident occurred on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, prompting a temporary closure of the ride and an investigation.
A man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. Witnesses described a harrowing scene where the victim appeared to levitate from his seat before plunging onto a haunted house attraction at the suburban Atlanta theme park.
First responders were called to the scene around 4 p.m. local time. Officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the fall. The Goliath roller coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 70 mph and climbs over 200 feet, has been temporarily closed, Six Flags confirmed.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the victim fell while the roller coaster was ascending. One witness stated, "The man started levitating in the air sideways. We made direct eye contact with him." Another recounted seeing the man hit parts of the ride multiple times during his descent, with his blood splattering onto other riders.
"It went from having a great time to just screaming, 'Oh my God, what is happening,'" one rider told WXIA. "You don't see things like this happen. It should never happen."
The victim was reportedly riding with his son. The park has stated that its team and local authorities responded immediately and that they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
"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," a Six Flags spokesperson said in a statement. The company added that it is providing support for anyone affected and that similar rides at other parks have been closed out of an abundance of caution.
Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called the event a "terrible tragedy" and confirmed that the victim'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," she said.
The Goliath roller coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard opened at the park in 2006 and is noted as the tallest roller coaster in Georgia. The incident follows news last month of Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announcing the demolition of its X2 roller coaster amid lawsuits alleging severe rider injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and one fatality in 2022.