A man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, October 12, prompting an investigation by local authorities into the fatal incident at the theme park.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m. local time, according to a statement from the Cobb County Police Department. Several people were reported injured, and one person died.
Six Flags Over Georgia confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the man’s family, friends and loved ones.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” a park spokesperson told PEOPLE. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.”
The spokesperson said park staff and local authorities responded immediately and that the park was cooperating fully with the investigation. The park declined to provide further details, citing respect for the family’s privacy.
Witnesses told Atlanta television station WXIA that they saw the man fall from the roller coaster while it was in motion. One witness said the man appeared in photographs taken during the ride before falling and striking parts of the coaster several times.
“He was in our pictures,” the witness told WXIA. “He fell and hit the car three different times.”
According to the witness, the man also struck other riders before falling onto the roof of a haunted house attraction below the roller coaster.
A couple who were riding Goliath at the time also told WXIA that they witnessed the fall. They described seeing the man hit parts of the ride multiple times before falling. The woman spoke about the sudden change from enjoying the attraction to witnessing a frightening incident.
The couple also said park workers had checked their safety harnesses before the coaster began its ride. Their account did not establish what caused the man to fall, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remained under investigation.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens also issued a statement to WSB-TV expressing sympathy for the victim’s loved ones and acknowledging the work of emergency personnel.
“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 Dr. Kerry Stallings was coordinating with Cobb County police and park security as officials responded to the incident. He thanked the personnel involved and said the city would continue supporting coordination with the relevant authorities.
“Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, we will refrain from commenting further at this time,” Owens said.
Authorities had not established the circumstances that led to the man’s fall in the statements cited in the reports. Six Flags Over Georgia said it was cooperating with investigators, while further details about the incident had not been released.
