1 dead, others hurt at Six Flags Over Georgia as guests say man fell from coaster

A person died and others were injured at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, officials said, as witnesses reported seeing a man fall from a roller coaster. The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications confirmed the death at the amusement park just outside Atlanta but was unable to immediately provide details. Cobb County Police Sgt. E. D. Smith said in a statement that the incident was reported just before 4 p.m. and that the department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating. Witnesses who spoke to NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta said they saw a man fall from the Goliath roller coaster, with at least two saying they saw him strike parts of the ride multiple times before hitting the ground. “He fell and hit the car three different times,” a witness told the station. “We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” a park spokesperson said in a statement. “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.” It said details would not be immediately released “out of respect for the family’s privacy.” Witness Logan Conner said he was on the ride with his fiancé when he saw the man detached from his seat on Goliath. “The man started levitating in the air sideways,” he said. “We made direct eye contact with him.” A witness told WXIA the man had been sitting with a child, and that the man’s blood ended up on their ride vehicle. Video from the scene showed riders exiting the roller coaster after it paused mid-ride. Six Flags is about 10 miles west of downtown Atlanta.