Six Flags Closes Rides After Fatal Roller Coaster Incident in Georgia

Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six amusement parks on Monday after one person died and several others were injured in an incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The park is located about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta.

The Cobb County Police Department's major crimes unit is investigating the incident. Officials have not confirmed the exact cause of death or the nature of the injuries sustained by other guests.

In a statement, a Six Flags Entertainment Corporation spokesperson said that attractions similar to the roller coaster involved were closed out of an "abundance of caution." The spokesperson added that park staff and local authorities responded immediately and that the company is cooperating with the investigation. "We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today," the spokesperson said, noting that the company is providing support to those affected.

While authorities and Six Flags did not identify the specific roller coaster involved, local television stations broadcasted footage of passengers being evacuated from the Goliath coaster. The Goliath roller coaster, which opened in 2006, reaches a top speed of 70 mph and a height of 200 feet, according to the park's website.

Lisa Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that the next of kin of the deceased individual has 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 stated. "We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories."

Cupid also noted that the park is a significant contributor to the county's tourism and draws visitors from across the Southeast.

This incident follows other recent events at theme parks. Less than two weeks prior, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California retired its X2 roller coaster amid lawsuits alleging serious brain injuries. Separately, a 32-year-old man died from blunt impact injuries after riding a roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Florida last year, an incident ruled accidental.

Records indicate that the Six Flags Over Georgia park has had at least seven previous deaths, including a 2006 incident where a man suffered a fatal heart attack on the Goliath coaster, according to the Doan Law Firm, which tracks amusement park accidents.