A man died and several others were injured after an incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon, authorities confirmed. The Cobb County Police Department stated the incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. at the park in Austell, west of Atlanta. Detectives from the department’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the event.
Park and emergency responders acted immediately, with Six Flags Over Georgia confirming in a statement that the park team and local authorities responded without delay. The spokesperson added that the company is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues. The park has temporarily closed similar attractions across its properties, though no additional details about the incident have been released.
Witnesses described a horrific scene, with one stating that the man fell from the ride and struck the coaster cars multiple times. Another witness reported that the victim appeared in their souvenir photo as he fell. Riders on the Goliath were evacuated four at a time after the ride stopped near the top of the track, with footage showing passengers climbing down an emergency stairway. The Goliath roller coaster, which opened in 2006, reaches 200 feet in height and speeds of 70 mph.
Six Flags expressed deep sadness over the incident, offering condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones. The company also stated it is providing support to affected guests and team members. Cobb County Police have not released further details, including the victim’s identity or the cause of the fall. The Mableton Mayor’s office confirmed coordination with local authorities and the park regarding the situation.
Background and recent incidents
The Goliath roller coaster, manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, is the tallest ride at Six Flags Over Georgia. Last month, Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announced it would permanently retire its X2 roller coaster amid multiple lawsuits alleging riders suffered brain injuries. The company also recently settled a wrongful-death lawsuit from the family of a 22-year-old man who died in 2022 after riding the X2, and three additional lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries were filed last week. In 2023, a 32-year-old man died after riding a high-speed roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Florida, with his death ruled accidental due to blunt impact injuries.
Investigation and next steps
Authorities have not confirmed whether the victim fell from the ride or was ejected during operation. The Cobb County Police Department stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. Six Flags has pledged to continue cooperating with law enforcement throughout the process.