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

One person died and others were injured Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia, 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. ED Smith said in a statement that the incident was reported shortly before 4 p.m. and the department’s major crimes unit was investigating.

Witnesses who spoke to NBC affiliate WXIA in Atlanta said they saw a man fall from the Goliath roller coaster, and at least two said they saw him hit several parts of the ride multiple times before hitting the ground.

“He fell and hit the car three times,” a witness told the station.

“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our park today,” a park spokesperson said in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the guest’s family, friends and loved ones. We also extend our support to the affected guests and team members.”

He said details would not be released immediately “out of respect for the family’s privacy.”

Witness Logan Conner said he was traveling with his fiancée when he saw the man get out of his seat on Goliath.

“The man started levitating in the air to the side,” he said. “We made direct eye contact with him.”

A witness told WXIA the man was sitting with a child and the man’s blood ended up in their vehicle.

Video from the scene showed riders exiting the roller coaster after a mid-ride break.

Six Flags is about 10 miles west of downtown Atlanta.