Six Flags Closes 9 Coasters After Man Dies on Georgia Ride
Six Flags has temporarily closed nine roller coasters at parks across North America after a man died in an incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday.
The incident happened shortly before 4 p.m. on Columbus Day at the park outside Atlanta, according to Cobb County police. Officials said four other people were injured. Their conditions have not been released.
What Witnesses Say Happened
Witnesses told local media that a man fell from the Goliath coaster while it was in motion. Police have not confirmed exactly how he died, and his name and age have not been released.
One witness said the man had been riding with his son while his wife and daughter watched from the ground. Another rider said the man fell onto a girl seated two rows ahead of her, CNN reported.
A woman who was on the ride said park workers had checked riders' harnesses before it started. A season pass holder said he had ridden Goliath the night before and noticed nothing unusual.
After the incident, the car behind the one involved stopped on a steep incline. Around 5 p.m., riders were evacuated down a stairway.
Nine Coasters Closed Nationwide
Six Flags said it closed similar rides at six other parks "out of an abundance of caution." The company said "the safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities."
The closed coasters include Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois, Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland, Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds, and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island in Ohio, according to WSB-TV.
The company did not say how long the rides would stay closed or when they might reopen to guests.
Investigation Underway
Detectives with the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said the county will work with the park and its partners and will share more information as it is confirmed.
Six Flags Over Georgia said it was "deeply saddened" by what happened. The company expressed sympathy to the man's family, said it is cooperating with authorities and declined to share more details out of respect for the family's privacy.
Goliath, which opened in 2006, is a steel "hyper-coaster" that climbs 200 feet and reaches speeds of 70 mph. The ride was built by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard. CNN said it had reached out to the company for comment.
Two other Six Flags coasters, in Illinois and California, share the Goliath name. All three are hyper-coasters standing more than 200 feet tall, but they were built by different manufacturers.
Growing Scrutiny of Coaster Safety
The death comes as Six Flags faces questions about ride safety. The company recently announced it would permanently close the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California following reports of injuries and deaths tied to the ride. A brain injury lawsuit over X2 is headed to trial next year.
It is also the latest in a string of frightening incidents at theme parks. Last year, a man died after riding a coaster at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando. And in March, six guests were hospitalized at SeaWorld after a roller coaster got stuck.
Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair in 2024, making it the largest amusement park operator in the country.
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