A teenager at the Six Flags Over Georgia was killed around 2-2:30 p.m. today when he was hit and decapitated by the amusement park's popular Batman roller coaster, which can travel at up to 50 mph.Cobb County police are investigating the death, which occurred after the 17-year-old scaled two six-foot fences marked with "Danger" and "Do Not Enter" signs.
"We do not know why this person was intent on gaining access to this restricted area,"
Park spokeswoman Hela Sheth said in a news release.
Park spokeswoman Hela Sheth said in a news release.
"Some witnesses have stated that the individual was trying to retrieve something he had lost. Others reported that he was trying to touch the ride," she added. "This is merely speculation at this point, and we are working with park visitors and local police to learn more."
Another Six Flags representative said the teen was one of a group of youth who jumped over the perimeter fence as the ride was coming, although none of the other kids, nor any of the people on the ride, were injured.
The victim, whose name has not been released, was reportedly with a church group at the time, although his family was at the park, as well, the Atlanta Journal Constitution wrote on its website.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," a statement form the park read. Cobb County reports have not returned calls seeking comments, not have they confirmed that the teen was decapitated.
The description of Batman: The Ride is described on the Six Flags website as such: "Soar like a bat out of Hades, through, above—and even underneath—Gotham City, suspended from the rails of one of the most innovative coasters of all time."
It is described as "one of the most spell-binding coasters ever," with "one-of-a-kind heartline spin producing a feeling of weightlessness."
It is not to be confused with the new The Dark Knight roller coaster, located at Six Flags Great Adventure. The ride's May 15 launch preceded the upcoming film by several months.
