Six Flags closes nine roller coasters after deadly Austell incident
Six Flags closed nine roller coasters across six parks after a death at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell that also left several others injured.
One person died and several people suffered injuries Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell. Six Flags temporarily shut nine roller coasters across six amusement parks following the fatal incident. Officials did not confirm how the person died. They also did not state how the other riders were hurt or release their medical conditions.
Detectives from the Cobb County Police Department major crimes unit are investigating the scene. The park sits about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta. Attractions similar to the coaster were closed “out of an abundance of caution,” a Six Flags Entertainment Corporation spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said staff members and local authorities responded immediately to the scene. The park is cooperating with the investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the spokesperson said. The company is providing support to guests and staff members.
Authorities and Six Flags did not identify the roller coaster. Local television stations showed video of passengers evacuated from the Goliath coaster.
Goliath opened in 2006. The ride reaches a top speed of 70 mph with a height of 200 feet, according to the park website. Riders travel for about 3 1/2 minutes through sharp turns and high drops.
Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Board of Commissioners chairwoman, said next of kin of the deceased person 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,” 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.”
The park is a major part of tourism for the county, Cupid said. It brings in visitors from across the Southeast.
The death would be at least the seventh at the Austell park, according to the Doan Law Firm. That tally includes a 2006 incident where a man had a likely heart attack on Goliath. The firm tallies amusement park accidents and represents victims.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California recently announced the retirement of the X2 roller coaster. That move followed lawsuits alleging serious brain injury. The park settled a wrongful-death lawsuit from the family of a 22-year-old man who died in 2022.
Last year, a 32-year-old man died from blunt impact injuries at Universal Epic Universe in Florida. Officials ruled that death accidental.
Major crimes units typically handle sudden death investigations to collect evidence and interview witnesses. County agencies work alongside private operators during park incident inquiries.
Officials have not named the person who died at the Austell park.
