What went wrong on Goliath? State probes fatal Six Flags ejection ahead of weekend reopening

by Abby Kousouris

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — State regulators and local police are investigating after a rider was ejected and killed on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday.

Four other riders were injured, according to the Cobb County Police Department.

Despite the active investigation, park officials said Six Flags Over Georgia will reopen for regular weekend operations Friday. The Goliath will remain closed.

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner launched a joint inquiry with county police to determine what caused the ejection. Six Flags also has temporarily shut down nine roller coasters across six parks nationwide as a precaution.

“I assure you that we are not going to leave any stone unturned,” Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said. “This is the most serious investigation that we’ve conducted in quite a long time, and we’re going to treat it as such.”

Under Georgia law, amusement park operators must conduct daily maintenance checks before allowing guests on rides, in addition to securing annual state operating permits through the commissioner’s office.

Investigators are expected to review computer telemetry, restraint locking pins, maintenance logs and surveillance video to determine whether the ejection stemmed from mechanical failure, sensor error or operator protocol.

With the park’s annual Fright Fest expected to draw large weekend crowds, legal experts emphasize the importance of keeping the scene undisturbed.

“The preservation of evidence in this type of a case is the absolute most important,” said Aura Taylor, founder and managing attorney of The Taylor Law Firm. “You don’t want that car being moved.”

Six Flags maintains its safety protocols meet or exceed industry standards. While fine print on admission tickets generally limits operator liability for closed rides, Taylor noted visitors do not surrender their basic rights to safety.

“Now, you may have assumed the risk to be knocked around a little bit,” Taylor said. “Maybe your head hurts a little. Maybe your back hurts a little when you come off the ride, but overall, you have not assumed this type of risk.”

State officials said the coaster will stay shuttered until every wire, sensor and locking mechanism is thoroughly examined.

“We are not going to let a single person ride on this ride until we make sure this ride is safe,” King said.

Atlanta News First has filed state open records requests seeking Goliath’s prior inspection logs, permit histories and Six Flags’ daily maintenance sign-off sheets leading up to Monday’s incident.

The commissioner’s office has not yet confirmed whether inspectors will conduct fresh safety evaluations on the park’s remaining attractions before gates open Friday.