Six Flags has temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six theme parks after a fatal incident on a ride in Georgia that also left a number of people hurt.
Details of the Incident
Officials have yet to reveal how the person died, the extent of injuries to others, or their present condition following the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, located roughly 15 miles northwest of Atlanta. The major crimes division of Cobb County Police Department is leading the inquiry.
Attractions at the parks resembling the coaster in Austell, Georgia, have been suspended "out of an abundance of caution", a Six Flags Entertainment Corporation spokesman confirmed, highlighting that personnel and local officials responded swiftly and the park is providing complete cooperation with the investigation.
Company Response
"We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today," the spokesman said, while emphasising that the company is providing assistance to those guests and staff members affected.
Neither officials nor Six Flags have identified which particular roller coaster was involved. Local broadcasters, though, aired images depicting passengers being removed from the Goliath coaster. Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches a top speed of 70mph and towers 200 feet high, as stated on the park's website. Throughout a three-and-a-half minute journey, riders "navigate through razor-sharp turns and soar over colossal hills", the website describes.
Official Statements and Background
Lisa Cupid, chair of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that the next of kin of the deceased individual have 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," Ms Cupid said. "We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories."
Ms Cupid emphasised that the park represents a vital component of the county's tourism sector, attracting visitors from across the South East. This death represents at least the seventh fatality at the Georgia venue, including a 2006 case where a man experienced what was thought to be a heart attack while riding the Goliath coaster, according to the Doan Law Firm, which monitors theme park accidents and offers legal representation to victims.
The incident comes shortly after Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California revealed, less than two weeks ago, plans to retire its famous X2 roller coaster following legal claims alleging serious brain injuries associated with the attraction. The park settled a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by family members of a 22-year-old man who died after riding the coaster in 2022. A 32-year-old man died from blunt impact injuries after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe theme park in Florida the previous year. His death was ruled accidental by the relevant authorities.
