Crime & Safety

1 Dead After Incident Involving Roller Coaster At Six Flags Over GA

One person died Monday in an incident involving a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Smoother and sleeker than ever before, the renovated Blue Hawk roller coaster is now open at Six Flags Over Georgia. Blue Hawk features two new coaster trains with soft-vest restraints for a smoother ride, track improvements and fresh blue paint.
Smoother and sleeker than ever before, the renovated Blue Hawk roller coaster is now open at Six Flags Over Georgia. Blue Hawk features two new coaster trains with soft-vest restraints for a smoother ride, track improvements and fresh blue paint. (Six Flags Over Georgia)

ATLANTA, AL — One person died Monday in an incident involving a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The incident occurred on the Goliath roller coaster, according to an initial report WSB-TV in Atlanta.

The television station reported that its news helicopter captured footage of riders being evacuated from the roller coaster after it stopped with passengers near the top of the ride.

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Witnesses reportedly told Atlanta television stations that a man fell from the roller coaster, although authorities have not officially confirmed the circumstances surrounding the fatality.

The victim's identity has not been publicly released and officials have not announced an official cause of death.

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Six Flags Over Georgia confirmed the fatality in a statement, saying park personnel and local authorities responded immediately to the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today," the company said. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest's family, friends, and loved ones."

The company also said it was providing support to affected visitors and employees while cooperating with investigators.

Goliath is one of the park's signature attractions, standing approximately 200 feet tall and reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, according to Six Flags.

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens also issued a statement Monday evening expressing condolences to the victim's family and confirming that local public safety officials were coordinating with investigators.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia today," Owens said. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the individual's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."

Owens said Mableton Public Safety Director Kerry Stallings was working with Cobb County police and park security as authorities investigated the incident.

"We are grateful to the personnel responding to this incident and will continue to support coordination with the appropriate authorities," Owens said.

The mayor added that city officials would refrain from further comment out of respect for the victim's family and the ongoing investigation.

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