Deaths At Six Flags [Updated 2024]

Spending an afternoon at an amusement park with your loved ones can be an incredible experience. From riding exhilarating rollercoasters to enjoying creative shows and good food, there’s something to keep just about every amusement park visitor entertained. However, on rare occasions, a joyous occasion can turn tragic when an unexpected accident occurs. Although major amusement parks tend to be safe for both employees and visitors alike, many venues have had their fair share of serious incidents. In this study, we take a closer look at fatal accidents that occurred at Six Flags parks.

How Many People Have Died at Six Flags Theme Parks?

To date, there have been 99 deaths at amusement parks that were or are currently managed by the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. In some cases, fatal accidents may have occurred while the park in question was under different ownership or management. For example, a fatal accident at Geauga Lake in 1997 pre-dated the park’s integration into the Six Flags franchise. Likewise, this study includes the thirty-seven deaths that have occurred at former Cedar Fair venues, as the Cedar Fair franchise formally merged with Six Flags on July 1st, 2024. To create the most comprehensive study on amusement park fatalities at venues under the ownership of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the decision was made to include such accidents in our study. 

* Note: the following visual was originally published on April 11th, 2023 and has been updated on July 31st, 2024. We will periodically update this graphic to reflect changing statistics over time.

Tracking Fatal Accidents By Individual Six Flags Park

To date, Six Flags Great Adventure has had the most fatalities (13) of all Six Flags amusement and water parks. Seven Six Flags properties have had five or more recorded deaths, and those amusement parks are:

• Six Flags Great Adventure
• Kings Island
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Six Flags Over Georgia
• California’s Great America
• Six Flags Great America
• Six Flags Over Texas

The graph below tracks deaths by Six Flags park. For the sake of brevity, parks with “Hurricane Harbor” in their title have been abbreviated as “HH.” 

What is the Deadliest Six Flags Attraction?

The Haunted Castle at Six Flags Great Adventure was responsible for the highest number of fatalities of all the franchise’s attractions. Eight people lost their lives in a single incident involving the Haunted Castle, which is more individual fatalities than occurred at any other single Six Flags park. The attraction was entirely destroyed in a fire on May 11th, 1984. In an aggravated manslaughter lawsuit against the amusement park, it was argued that the decision not to install smoke alarms or a sprinkler system within the attraction may have led to the shocking number of casualties.

Six Flags Victim Demographics

Both park employees and visitors have suffered tragic accidents at Six Flags amusement parks throughout the years. However, we discovered that park visitors are more than 4x as likely to suffer a fatal accident than an employee or contractor. To date, nineteen Six Flags employees or contractors suffered fatal harm at an amusement or water park, compared to eighty visitors.

Have Wrongful Death Lawsuits or Fines Been Brought Against Six Flags?

In many cases, the families of victims who suffered fatal harm at a Six Flags park filed what is known as a “wrongful death lawsuit.” When a person perishes due to the negligent or careless actions of another person or party, a wrongful death lawsuit can hold the responsible party accountable for the preventable accident. The victim’s family members may be able to recover damages for lost income, funeral costs, and the emotional suffering of survivors. Information about known wrongful death lawsuits is included in the description of each individual incident. 

Some Six Flags accidents resulted in fines, typically from the U.S.’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In most cases, accidents that led to a fine involved unsafe workplace conditions that resulted in a park worker suffering fatal injuries. Accidents occurring outside of the United States may have resulted in penalties from foreign agencies with a similar purpose to OSHA. For example, a 2012 incident at the Canadian amusement park La Ronde resulted in a fine from the Commission de la Santé et de la Sécurité du Travail du Québec. 

Using data sourced from the Good Jobs First national policy resource center, we created a graph of OSHA fines against Six Flags parks for workplace safety or health violations from the year 2000 to the present day. To date, Cedar Point has accrued the most penalty fines, with over $204,000 owed. Overall, Six Flags has been penalized $39,752,432 by OSHA since 2000, but the vast majority of penalties were assessed due to a consumer protection-related offense. 

Deaths by Six Flags Park

As of the present day, there are twenty-seven Six Flags parks where at least one fatality has occurred. Each of the fatal incidents is recorded below, with accidents grouped according to the park they happened in. If you are looking for information on fatal accidents at a specific Six Flags park, click the corresponding link below to immediately be transported to that section of the study:

California’s Great America
Canada’s Wonderland
Carowinds
Cedar Point
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Kings Dominion
Kings Island
Knott’s Berry Farm
La Ronde
Six Flags America
Six Flags AstroWorld
Six Flags Darien Lake
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Six Flags Elitch Gardens
Six Flags Great Adventure
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor SplashTown
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags New England
Six Flags New Orleans
Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags Worlds of Adventure
Worlds of Fun

Fatal Accidents at California’s Great America

California’s Great America opened in 1976 as one of two properties built by the Marriot Corporation. A 112-acre amusement park, California’s Great Adventure features more than 40 rides and attractions. Ownership of the park changed hands multiple times over the years, from Marriot to the City of Santa Clara to Cedar Fair. The park is now run by the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been five reported deaths at California’s Great America.

Ride: Whizzer
Date: March 29th, 1980
Cause of Death: Collision
Punitive Actions: A civil penalty action by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission resulted in a $70,000 payment
Situation: A 13-year-old boy was killed and eight other park guests suffered injuries when a pair of trains collided. The park was charged by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for failing to report a possible defect in the ride’s braking system. Eleven other incidents were uncovered between 1976 and 1979, resulting in an unknown number of additional injuries.

Ride: Logger’s Run
Date: July 4th, 1989
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: Two boys intentionally jumped off the ride. One of the children landed safely on an emergency platform, but the other 9-year-old boy suffered fatal injuries in the fall.

Ride: Flight Deck
Date: September 7th, 1998
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 25-year-old man was struck in the head by the dangling leg of a rider when he went underneath the roller coaster in an attempt to retrieve a lost hat. The Spanish-speaking victim allegedly had issues understanding the park’s warning signs, which were written in English. The female rider who unintentionally struck the man suffered a broken leg.

Ride: Drop Tower
Date: August 22nd, 1999
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A 12-year-old boy suffered fatal injuries in a fall from Drop Tower. The victim’s family alleges that the ride’s shoulder harness failed to lock properly. An investigation was carried out, but the results were inconclusive and no charges were filed.

Ride: Breakers Bay
Date: July 12th, 2007
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: A 4-year-old boy drowned in two feet of water in the attraction’s wave pool. Lifeguards and first responders attempted to render aid to the victim, but he was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Fatal Accidents at Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is the most-visited seasonal amusement park in North America, with an estimated 3.8 million guests in 2022. The 330-acre amusement park is located in Vaughan, Canada. With eighteen roller coasters, Canada’s Wonderland has the second-most coasters of any theme park, trailing only Six Flags Magic Mountain. The park also has a 20-acre water park called Splash Works on the premises.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been four reported deaths at Canada’s Wonderland.

Ride: Victoria Falls
Date: 1988
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: An 18-year-old diver drowned beneath a waterfall at Victoria Falls. After swimming for several minutes, the victim went underneath the waterfall in an attempt to retrieve a frisbee. The victim’s brother attempted to assist him but was pulled underwater repeatedly. Resuscitation attempts were not successful. The incident was later found to be caused by a whirlpool effect generated by the waterfall.

Ride: Outside the Park Entrance
Date: May 11th, 2003
Cause of Death: Shooting
Situation: Two guests were involved in an altercation, allegedly over $10 of marijuana. The argument led to the fatal shooting of one person. Metal detectors and additional security measures, such as bag checks, were added to the park following this incident.

Ride: Parking Lot
Date: October 26th, 2014
Cause of Death: Stabbing
Situation: After the park closed, two men were stabbed in the parking lot. One 18-year-old man was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries but recovered. The second victim, a 21-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack. A second 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack weeks later.

Ride: Parking Lot
Date: October 13th, 2023
Cause of Death: Struck by Vehicle
Situation: A police officer observed suspicious behavior in the parking lot and exited his vehicle. A 17-year-old man fled from the officer and reached Jane Street between Norwood Avenue and Avro Road, where he was struck by a motor vehicle. The victim died six days later due to injuries sustained in the crash.

Fatal Accidents at Carowinds

Carowinds was designed to bring the history of the Carolinas to life, with the park’s name being a literal combination of “Carolina” and “winds,” for the winds that notably blow over the two states. The park opened in 1973, and attendance unfortunately suffered due to the 1973 oil crisis. The park subsequently underwent many management changes, ending up a part of Cedar Fair in 2006 and Six Flags Entertainment Corporation in 2024.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been three reported deaths at Carowinds.

Ride: Carolina Harbor
Date: June 7th, 1987
Cause of Death: Shooting
Situation: Two people inside Carolina Harbor were shot with an unregistered machine gun, which led to five arrests. A 6-year-old girl was shot in the abdomen but survived after receiving medical care. The second victim, a 16-year-old girl, was fatally shot while playing in the wave pool.

Ride: WhiteWater Falls
Date: September 16th, 1987
Cause of Death: Suffocation
Situation: A 49-year-old construction worker was killed while doing construction on this new water ride. As the man was working, a sewage pipe collapsed off its supports, trapping the victim underneath two feet of dirt in a ten-foot trench for nearly twenty-five minutes. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of suffocation.

Ride: Carolina Harbor
Date: July 5th, 1989
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: An 11-year-old boy drowned in Carolina Harbor’s wave pool. Lifeguards unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate the victim, who was pronounced dead at Charlotte Memorial Hospital.

Fatal Accidents at Cedar Point

Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the US, opened initially in 1870. Prior to Cedar Fair’s merger with Six Flags in 2024, Cedar Point was considered the flagship of the former’s brand and hosted the corporation’s headquarters. The park has the third-most roller coasters of North America amusement parks at seventeen, trailing only Canada’s Wonderland and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Cedar Point.

Ride: Raptor
Date: August 13th, 2015
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 45-year-old man went into the ride’s restricted area in an attempt to retrieve a dropped cell phone. He was fatally struck in the back of the head by a roller coaster train while underneath the attraction. Park emergency crews attempted to render medical aid, but the victim was declared dead at the scene.

Fatal Accidents at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom features some of the world’s most iconic roller coasters, including the well-known Steel Force. Initially founded in the 19th century, the park evolved over the years from a summer resort into a bustling destination for adventurers. In addition to eight roller coasters and countless attractions, there is also a full-fledged water park on site with nineteen water rides.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been three reported deaths at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

Ride: Unspecified Roller Coaster
Date: July 24th, 1926
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A 16-year-old girl suffered fatal injuries when she fell from an unspecified roller coaster. Witnesses state that the woman rose from her seat to smooth out her dress, which had become rumpled during the ride, when she lost her balance and fell.

Ride: Ferris Wheel
Date: July 11th, 1940
Cause of Death: Skull fracture
Situation: A 9-year-old boy riding the Ferris Wheel seriously injured himself when he stuck his head out of a small opening at the top of the cage’s door. His head became stuck in the framework of the wheel, immediately causing significant harm. The victim was declared dead at Allentown Hospital.

Ride: Wildwater Kingdom
Date: June 16th, 1994
Cause of Death: Drowning
Lawsuit: $10 million verdict for the victim’s family
Situation: A 14-year-old boy drowned in Wildwater Kingdom’s wave pool. Halfhearted search efforts by the park’s lifeguards meant that the victim’s body was not discovered until later in the night by a construction worker after the park closed. The drowning occurred during a school field trip, and both the park and the school’s chaperones were found negligent for not adequately protecting the schoolchildren from harm.

Fatal Accidents at Kings Dominion

Following the success of Kings Island amusement park, Family Leisure Centers decided to open a second theme park in Doswell, Virginia. The newly-christened Kings Dominion theme park would have similar themes, attractions, and rides as its successful sister park. In the present day, the park features more than sixty rides and a 20-acre water park.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been four reported deaths at Kings Dominion.

Ride: Galaxi
Date: September 10th, 1983
Cause of Death: Head injury
Situation: A 13-year-old boy was found unconscious and slumped over in his seat once the coaster arrived back at its station. The victim perished due to suffering accidental injuries to his head.

Ride: Eiffel Tower
Date: August 13th, 1986
Cause of Death: Suicide (fall)
Situation: A 32-year-old man intentionally leaped to his death from the attraction’s restraining barrier. Following the incident, the attraction’s observation deck was closed to park visitors.

Ride: Shockwave
Date: August 23rd, 1999
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: While riding Shockwave, a 20-year-old man came free of his safety restraints and fell to his death. An investigation discovered that the ride’s restraints were fully functional and still secured when the train arrived back at the station. It’s still not certain how the victim came free of his restraints, and no lawsuit was ever filed following the incident.

Ride: Dominator
Date: July 20th, 2012
Cause of Death: Brain aneurysm
Situation: A 48-year-old woman was found unresponsive at the end of the ride. Initially it was believed she suffered from “seizure-like” symptoms, but an autopsy found that the victim had sustained a fatal brain aneurysm.

Fatal Accidents at Kings Island

Kings Island is an amusement park just northeast of Cincinnati. Throughout the years, the park has expanded to contain more than a hundred attractions, including a water park and fifteen roller coasters. After its launch, Kings Island was so successful it prompted owner Family Leisure Centers to open a second theme park, known as Kings Dominion.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been ten reported deaths at Kings Island.

Ride: Lion Country Safari
Date: July 24th, 1976
Cause of Death: Mauled by lion
Situation: A 20-year-old park ranger with a history of violating park safety regulations was found mauled to death fifteen to twenty feet from his vehicle in a section of the park’s lion reserve. The vehicle was protected by iron bars that should have offered sufficient protection from animal attacks. Investigators believe the ranger exited his vehicle to relieve himself.

Ride: Eiffel Tower
Date: May 13th, 1983
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: While attending a graduation party with classmates, a 17-year-old boy fell 200 feet down the elevator shaft of the Eiffel Tower. The boy had climbed into the shaft for an unknown reason, where he was struck by the elevator’s counterweight and knocked into some cables. When the elevator began its ascent from the bottom of the tower, he fell to his death.

Ride: Employee Parking Lot
Date: August 5th, 1989
Cause of Death: Struck by lightning
Situation: A 39-year-old musician suffered fatal injuries when they were struck by lightning in the employee parking lot.

Ride: Flight Commander
Date: June 9th, 1991
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A severely intoxicated 32-year-old woman fell approximately sixty feet to her death while on the ride. Investigators later discovered that a limp patron could slip free of their safety harness into the unoccupied, adjacent seat and from there fall from the attraction entirely.

Ride: Adventure Port
Date: June 9th, 1991
Cause of Death: Electrocution
Punitive Actions: Park was fined $23,500 by investigators
Situation: A guest and park employee came upon a second guest, who had fallen into a pond in the Adventure Port area of the theme park. While attempting to assist the guest in the pond, all three were electrocuted by an underwater circulation pump. Two of the three men were killed. The circulation pump was later found to lack a ground-fault circuit breaker, leading to fines against the park.

Ride: The Bat
Date: July 26th, 2003
Cause of Death: Pre-existing medical condition (enlarged heart)
Situation: A 34-year-old woman had a heart attack while on the ride. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she did not survive. An autopsy discovered that she had an enlarged heart prior to getting on the ride.

Ride: Son of Beast
Date: 2007
Cause of Death: Pre-existing medical condition
Situation: After riding, a man with a pre-existing medical condition was rushed to the hospital. He was declared dead the following day, with no malfunction detected in the ride.

Ride: Firehawk
Date: August 8th, 2009
Cause of Death: Natural causes
Situation: After the ride returned to its station, a 38-year-old man was observed experiencing respiratory distress. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died of natural causes. The coroner’s report indicates that the man had a pre-existing heart condition and was dealing with the aftermath of a severe flu and respiratory infection at the time of his ride.

Ride: Banshee
Date: June 19th, 2024
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 38-year-old man entered a restricted area near the ride in an attempt to retrieve his lost keys. He was struck by the ride as it was traveling at 68 miles per hour and suffered immediate fatal injuries. The victim was declared dead two days after the accident.

Fatal Accidents at Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm began humbly as a literal berry stand run by Walter and Cordelia Knott along Route 39. Over the years, attractions, shops, and restaurants were added and a theme park was born. It wasn’t until 1968 that an admissions fee was added, and the growing amusement park was formally acquired by Cedar Fair in 1997 for $300 million.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been four reported deaths at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Ride: Sky Jump
Date: October 30th, 1983
Cause of Death: Fall (possible suicide)
Situation: An 18-year-old man climbed over the safety rail of the gondola he was in and plunged approximately two hundred feet to his death. The park claimed the ride was operating normally, and it’s possible the man committed suicide.

Ride: Calico Railroad
Date: October 20th, 1996
Cause of Death: Crushed
Situation: While trying to separate two of the ride’s cars, an employee was caught between them and crushed to death.

Ride: Montezooma’s Revenge
Date: September 1st, 2001
Cause of Death: Ruptured cerebral artery
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuit filed in 2002, dismissed in 2006
Situation: A 20-year-old woman died of a ruptured cerebral artery a day after riding this attraction. An autopsy revealed a pre-existing medical condition and investigators found no issue with the ride that would have contributed to the victim’s death.

Ride: Perilous Plunge
Date: September 21st, 2001
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 40-year-old woman fell during the ride’s drop sequence, immediately receiving fatal blunt force trauma injuries upon landing in a pool below the ride. The woman slipped through her seatbelt and lap bar, which were still secured when the ride ended.

Fatal Accidents at La Ronde

La Ronde is an amusement park located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was initially built as an entertainment venue for the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, or Expo 67. The park is currently operated by Six Flags under a lease with the City of Montreal that will remain active until 2065.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been four reported deaths at La Ronde, three of which occurred in a single accident. 

Ride: The Mississippi
Date: July 8th, 1979
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: A sightseeing boat called the Mississippi capsized at Lac des Dauphins, an artificial lake at La Ronde. An estimated fifty-to-sixty tourists, many of whom were poor swimmers, were thrown into the water. Three tourists drowned and an additional ten were taken to a hospital. 

Ride: Le Vampire
Date: July 6th, 2012
Cause of Death: Head trauma (reportedly)
Punitive Actions: Undisclosed fine by Commission de la Santé et de la Sécurité du Travail du Québec (CSST)
Situation: A 67-year old plumber was ordered to repair a broken sump pipe in the pit of a ride called Vertigo, which was adjacent to Le Vampire. The plumber entered a restricted section below Le Vampire while the ride was in motion, allegedly in violation of park safety protocols. The man was standing underneath the coaster as it approached and was struck in the back of the head by one of the ride’s chairs at a speed of approximately 50 miles per hour. Another person at the scene was taken to the hospital to be treated for shock after the sudden accident. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags America

Six Flags America is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Initially founded as a wildlife center, the venue officially became the 10th Six Flags park in 1999. “America” was added to the park’s name due to its close proximity to the U.S. capital. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been four reported deaths at Six Flags America.

Ride: Hurricane Harbor
Date: July 13th, 1983
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: A 9-year-old boy drowned in the wave pool after falling off his life raft. Lifeguards reported that the victim demonstrated seizure-like symptoms, but those allegations were not medically supported. 

Ride: Hurricane Harbor
Date: August 20th, 1987
Cause of Death: Premature birth
Situation: The body of a prematurely born boy was found behind the women’s changing rooms. 

Ride: Batwing
Date: September 22nd, 2001
Cause of Death: Pre-existing heart condition (tear to victim’s aorta)
Situation: After getting off the Batwing coaster, the victim’s pre-existing heart condition worsened and she was taken to Prince George’s Hospital Center for treatment. The victim passed away approximately an hour after getting off the ride. 

Ride: Shark Attack Waterslide
Date: July 4th, 2005
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Situation: A 29-year old woman suffered cardiac arrest on the Shark Attack waterslide. She was found unconscious and floating in shallow water at the base of the ride. Park officials performed CPR and used a defibrillator in an attempt to save the victim, but rescue attempts were unsuccessful. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags AstroWorld 

Six Flags AstroWorld, known popularly as “AstroWorld,” was a seasonal theme park in Houston, Texas. After nearly four decades in operation, the park was permanently closed on October 30th, 2005. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags AstroWorld.

Ride: Excalibur
Date: August 9th, 1997
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 51-year-old maintenance worker suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by the roller coaster’s car. The worker had seen a false “all-clear” signal and was working on a section of the ride’s tracks when the train was sent out for a test run, resulting in the fatal collision. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Darien Lake

Six Flags Darien Lake encapsulates a campground, lodging, water park, and theme park across 1,200 acres of land in Corfu, New York. The theme park was officially acquired by Premier Parks in 1995.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been two reported deaths at Six Flags Darien Lake. 

Ride: None (parking lot)
Date: September 6th, 2009
Cause of Death: Not determined
Situation: Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered the body of a 33-year-old man in Sunshine Lake, which is located within the boundary of Six Flags Darien Lake. The victim was reported missing the previous day after going to a concert at the Performing Arts Center. Police reported that the death did not seem to be suspicious, but a cause of death was not confirmed.

Ride: Ride of Steel
Date: July 8th, 2011
Cause of Death: Fall
Lawsuit: Seven-figure wrongful death settlement (confidential)
Situation: A double amputee Iraq veteran suffered fatal injuries when he was thrown from the Ride of Steel’s train. The victim fell approximately 150 feet to his death. Investigators determined that operator error led to the man’s death, as rules posted at the ride’s entrance required visitors to have both legs to board the attraction. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed following the fatal accident, ending in a seven-figure confidential settlement. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is an animal theme park in Vallejo, California that also includes a number of traditional amusement park roller coasters and rides. The park originally opened in 1968 as Marine World and became a part of the Six Flags chain in 1999.

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Despite being an animal theme park, there have not yet been any fatal incidents related to captive animals. 

Ride: Monkey Business
Date: July 21st, 2001
Cause of Death: Brain hemorrhage
Situation: After riding on Monkey Business, a spinning teacup-style ride, a 42-year old woman suffered a brain hemorrhage. Despite being alert and talking when she was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, the woman passed away days after leaving the park. Investigators found no fault with the ride but stated that the attraction’s movement likely caused the fatal bleed.

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Elitch Gardens

Six Flags Elitch Gardens is a former Six Flags amusement park. From 1999 to 2006, the theme park was a component of the Six Flags franchise. Six Flags Elitch Garden was sold to PARC Management in October of 2006.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been two reported deaths at Six Flags Elitch Garden (one while under management by Premier Parks, pre-Six Flags).

Ride: Sidewinder
Date: August 2nd, 1997
Cause of Death: Fall
Punitive Actions: Park was fined over $32,000 for OSHA violation
Situation: A 45-year-old ride operator at Six Flags Elitch Gardens suffered fatal injuries when she fell off a three-story platform next to the Sidewinder attraction. The amusement park was subsequently fined over $32,000 in OSHA violations for not doing enough to protect workers from unnecessary danger. 

Ride: The Rainbow
Date: May 26th, 2002
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A 28-year-old man unlatched his seat belt and got out of his lap bar restraint while on the Six Flags Elitch Gardens ride The Rainbow. Park officials reported that the victim had a “cognitive disability.” According to eyewitnesses, the victim had wanted to get off the ride and may not have understood the dangers of removing the attraction’s restraints. It is uncertain whether the man fell before or after the ride’s operator hit an emergency stop button. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Great Adventure

Located in Jackson, New Jersey, Six Flags Great Adventure opened in 1974 and was officially enquired by Six Flags in 1977. In 2012, the amusement park became the second-largest theme park in the world when it was combined with the attractions at Six Flags’ Wild Safari. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been thirteen reported deaths at Six Flags Great Adventure. To date, this is the Six Flags park with the highest number of reported fatalities. 

Ride: Skyride
Date: August 16th, 1977
Cause of Death: Crushing
Situation: While attempting to repair a mechanism on the Skyride, a mechanic was killed when the defective part suddenly began revolving. The victim lost his footing and was caught in the drive-wheel. Despite surviving the initial incident, the mechanic later succumbed to his injuries. 

Ride: Rolling Thunder
Date: August 16th, 1981
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A 20-year-old park employee was on a routine test ride of the Rolling Thunder roller coaster when he fell to his death from the attraction. The ride was found to be performing normally and no safety flaws were discovered upon investigation. Investigators determined that the employee may not have used the ride’s safety bar correctly. 

Ride: Rolling Thunder
Date: August 29th, 1981
Cause of Death: Choking
Situation: A 19-year-old woman was found unresponsive in her seat on Rolling Thunder when the train returned to the station. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was choking caused by the aspiration of gastric contents. Aspiration of gastric contents occurs when fluids or food go into the lungs or windpipe instead of being swallowed. This was the second fatal accident on Rolling Thunder within a two-week period. 

Ride: Haunted Castle
Date: May 11th, 1984
Cause of Death: Asphyxiation / smoke inhalation
Lawsuit: Sued for aggravated manslaughter, found “not guilty” by jury verdict
Situation: The Haunted Castle attraction caught fire when a teenage boy used a cigarette lighter to help him navigate through the maze of dark rooms. The open flame ignited foam rubber padding used to protect visitors from running into walls and the fire rapidly spread, destroying the entire attraction. Eight teenage visitors were unable to escape the burning attraction and succumbed to smoke inhalation. 

Ride: Lightnin’ Loops
Date: June 17th, 1987
Cause of Death: Fall
Punitive Actions: Park fined for violation of the Carnival/Amusement Ride Safety Act
Situation: A 19-year-old woman fell to her death from the Lightnin’ Loops ride when the coaster was launched before park operators checked that the passengers were securely restrained. Investigators concluded that the fatal accident would have been avoided if proper procedures had been followed. 

Ride: None (Incident occurred on park premises)
Date: September 1st, 2017
Cause of Death: Struck by lift truck
Situation: A 19-year-old park worker that was stringing lights was fatally struck by a lift truck in the early morning on September 1st, 2017. Despite being rushed to a hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Great America

Initially opened as Marriott’s Great America in 1976, this 304-acre amusement park became part of the Six Flags franchise in 1984. Areas and rides within the park are designed around the concept of places in North America, from the Wild West to New Orleans. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been five reported deaths at Six Flags Great America. 

Ride: Raging Bull
Date: May 3rd, 2003
Cause of Death: Cardiomegaly
Situation: An 11-year-old girl collapsed after getting off the attraction. Initial incident reports indicated that she had choked on chewing gum while on Raging Bull, but the cause of death was later ruled cardiomegaly. The victim had been seeing a cardiologist for treatment. 

Ride: Ragin’ Cajun
Date: May 29th, 2004
Cause of Death: Traumatic head injury
Situation: A 52-year-old ride mechanic stepped in front of a speeding roller coaster car in an attempt to cross the ride’s tracks. The man was struck in the head and suffered a traumatic head injury. As the victim’s condition worsened, his family had him taken off life support due to his low chance of recovery. 

Ride: Sprocket Rockets
Date: August 16th, 2006
Cause of Death: Congenital heart anomaly
Situation: A 10-year-old girl passed away from a known congenital heart anomaly after getting off the Sprocket Rockets attraction. The victim was running to rejoin her family members when she collapsed. Her heart was stopped by the time paramedics arrived.

Ride: Splashwater Falls
Date: March 11th, 2008
Cause of Death: Head & chest trauma (caused by fall)
Situation: As Splashwater Falls was being demolished, a 46-year-old worker fell 40 feet to his death. The victim struck parts of the ride on the way down, suffering fatal head and chest trauma. 

Ride: Superman: Ultimate Flight
Date: September 9th, 2017
Cause of Death: Natural death
Situation: A 50-year-old man passed away after getting off the Superman: Ultimate Flight attraction. While on the exit ramp, the victim stated that he felt unwell before collapsing. The victim was rushed to Advocate Condell Medical Center. While at the hospital, the man passed away from what was declared a “natural death.”

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago

Discussions began about building a water park near Six Flags Great America in 1996. In 2004, plans were officially announced for a Caribbean-themed water park. The 20-acre water park saw 1,300,000 visitors in its first year of operation. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago.

Ride: Hurricane Bay
Date: June 29th, 2005
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Situation: Nearly a month after Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago opened in 2005, a 68-year-old man had a heart attack and passed away in the Hurricane Bay wave pool. Lifeguards and first responders were unable to save the victim. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord

Originally opened in 1995 as Waterworld California, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord is a water park in the Bay Area. The park has twenty-five waterslides and is one of the largest waterparks in Northern California. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Concord.

Ride: Banzai Pipeline
Date: June 2nd, 1997
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A group of more than thirty Napa High School students tried to form a “train” and set a school record for the highest number of people to go down the Banzai Pipeline slide together. The impacted section of the slide collapsed, resulting in many students falling up to three stories to the ground. Victims struck trees, buttresses, and other sections of the attraction’s piping on the way down. A 17-year-old senior was killed in the collapse and an additional 18 victims were hospitalized. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor SplashTown

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor SplashTown is a Texas water park. The water park was acquired by Six Flags in May 1999 to prevent competition with the franchise’s Six Flags WaterWorld. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor SplashTown.

Ride: None (incident occurred on park premises)
Date: April 12th, 2019
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A Six Flags worker suffered fatal injuries after falling from an unnamed structure in the afternoon on April 12th, 2019. Investigators ruled the death an accident and a Six Flags statement noted that the worker fell while performing job-related duties.

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain, at times referred to simply as “Magic Mountain,” is a 209-acre amusement park near Los Angeles. Becoming a part of the Six Flags brand in 1979, the amusement park has a record-high twenty roller coasters.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been seven reported deaths at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Ride: Eagle’s Flight
Date: February 5th, 1978
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A pair of newlyweds were seriously injured when their sky bucket detached from its cable and plummeted fifty feet to the ground. The incident likely occurred because the victims were violently rocking the bucket they were riding in, according to eyewitness testimony. The husband died and the bride suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of both legs. 

Ride: Colossus
Date: December 26th, 1978
Cause of Death: Fall
Situation: A 20-year-old woman was thrown from the Colossus roller coaster as it plunged downwards at approximately sixty miles per hour. The woman suffered fatal injuries in the fall. An investigation concluded that the woman was not properly restrained due to her size. Colossus was closed for a year following the incident, with multiple safety adjustments to the ride being made. 

Ride: Revolution
Date: May 30th, 1996
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 25-year-old part-time employee stepped onto the tracks of the Revolution roller coaster as the train started up to complete a cycle. The employee lost her footing and fell into a pit below the tracks, where she suffered fatal blunt force injuries. The victim was declared dead at the scene of the accident.

Ride: Goliath
Date: June 2nd, 2002
Cause of Death: Brain aneurysm
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuit filed
Situation: A 28-year-old woman suffered a fatal brain aneurysm while riding Goliath. An autopsy concluded that the aneurysm pre-existed the victim entering the park, but that stress associated with the ride likely was a factor in her death. The woman’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Six Flags, alleging that the park was aware of other serious injuries caused by the attraction. 

Ride: Scream
Date: April 9th, 2004
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Legal Proceedings: Victim’s estate was initially awarded $250,000 in workers’ compensation wrongful death benefits, Six Flags successfully fought the verdict on legal grounds
Situation: A 21-year-old Six Flags employee was struck and killed by the Scream rollercoaster. It was unknown why the victim was on the tracks at the time of the collision. 

Ride: Ninja
Date: August 30th, 2008
Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
Situation: A 20-year-old man lost his hat on a ride and was struck by a rollercoaster while attempting to retrieve it. The man climbed over two security fences before being knocked unconscious by the Ninja rollercoaster. He was pronounced dead the following day at the UCLA Medical Center. 

Ride: Revolution
Date: June 13th, 2015
Cause of Death: Natural causes
Lawsuit: Lawsuit filed for wrongful death, defective design
Situation: A 10-year-old girl was found unconscious but breathing after the Revolution roller coaster returned to its station. The victim was immediately airlifted to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries the following day. In 2017, a lawsuit was filed against Six Flags Magic Mountain by the victim’s parents. The suit alleged that delayed medical care and the ride’s defective design resulted in the girl’s death. The lawsuit is yet to be resolved.

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags New England

Six Flags New England was initially known by the name Gallup’s Grove. The theme park was initially a picnic grove in the 19th century, with a carousel and mechanical attractions being gradually added in the early 1900s. In 1911, the park was officially transitioned to an amusement park. In 2000, the park was rebranded as Six Flags New England.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been two reported deaths at Six Flags New England. 

Ride: Twisted Train
Date: August 2nd, 2000
Cause of Death: Pre-existing medical condition
Situation: A 12-year-old boy began experiencing difficulty breathing after getting off the Twisted Train attraction. The park’s emergency personnel began CPR while waiting for first responders to arrive. By the time paramedics arrived, the victim was in cardiac arrest and he was later pronounced dead at Baystate Medical Center.

Ride: Superman: The Ride
Date: May 1st, 2004
Cause of Death: Fall
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuit filed
Situation: A 55-year-old man was thrown from his seat during the rollercoaster’s final turn, immediately suffering fatal injuries in the fall. The victim was reportedly too large to be securely fastened into the ride and should not have been allowed on the attraction. Witnesses claimed that park operators did not verify that passengers were securely strapped in before starting the ride. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed by the victim’s estate.

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags New Orleans

Six Flags New Orleans opened under the name Jazzland in 2000. When the park’s operator went bankrupt, Six Flags acquired the amusement park under a leasing agreement in 2002. The park suffered severe damage during Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans ended the park’s lease in 2009. Six Flags New Orleans was permanently closed following the ending of the park’s lease, due to the extent of the damage caused by the hurricane. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags New Orleans. 

Ride: Joker’s Jukebox
Date: July 10th, 2003
Cause of Death: Blunt-force internal injuries
Situation: A 52-year-old grandmother was in the process of strapping her 4-year-old grandson into the Joker’s Jukebox attraction when the ride started up. At the time of the incident, the cars were estimated to be about three feet from the ground and the victim was standing outside her grandson’s car. The victim suffered injuries to her head and pelvis. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Over Georgia

Initially opened in 1967, Six Flags Over Georgia was the second park in the Six Flags chain. It was founded by Argus G. Wynne and featured themes from Warner Bros. Entertainment productions. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been seven reported deaths at Six Flags Over Georgia. 

Ride: Z-Force
Date: July 18th, 1989
Cause of Death: Undetermined
Situation: An 11-year-old boy became unresponsive after riding on Z-Force. Park medical staff began CPR, but the victim was pronounced dead at HCA Parkway Medical Center. An autopsy was unable to determine the cause of the boy’s death, but eyewitness reports indicate that he may have had a seizure. 

Ride: Batman: The Ride
Date: May 26th, 2002
Cause of Death: Head injury
Situation: A 58-year-old groundskeeper was walking below the Batman: The Ride rollercoaster when he was struck in the head by the leg of one of the coaster’s riders. The worker was in a restricted area that should have been cleared while the ride was in motion. The passenger who struck the groundskeeper was hospitalized with leg injuries and released. 

Ride: Goliath
Date: July 27th, 2006
Cause of Death: Heart attack (likely)
Situation: A 45-year-old man suffered what appeared to be a fatal heart attack on the Goliath rollercoaster. The victim was conscious during the ride but unresponsive when the train arrived back at the station. The man had a congenital heart condition and his death was expected to be ruled due to natural causes. 

Ride: Batman: The Ride
Date: June 28th, 2008
Cause of Death: Decapitation
Situation: A 17-year-old man climbed over a pair of six-foot fences to access the space underneath the Batman: The Ride rollercoaster. The victim was decapitated by the attraction’s train. A second person that also jumped both fences was unharmed. Eyewitnesses state that the two men were attempting to take a shortcut to get back into the park after lunch, while other reports indicate that the deceased victim was attempting to retrieve a hat. 

Ride: Hurricane Harbor
Associated Dates: May 29th, 2014 (initial injury) & July 18th, 2014 (date of death)
Cause of Death: Bacterial infection / blood clot in the lungs
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuit filed
Situation: On the opening day at Hurricane Harbor, a 14-year-old girl became ill after using the park’s wave pool. The pool was evacuated, as it smelled strongly of chlorine. The girl that fell ill passed away at Egleston Children’s hospital nearly two months later, after suffering ongoing respiratory problems. A bacterial infection and undetected blood clot in the victim’s lungs proved fatal. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Six Flags Over Georgia, multiple hospitals, and the manufacturer of an allegedly defective oxygenation machine. 

Ride: None (parking lot)
Date: March 6th, 2021
Cause of Death: Car accident
Situation: A 2-year-old boy from Atlanta was fatally struck by a car in the Six Flags Over Georgia parking lot. The child, his three siblings, and a relative were all at the park together. When the group was leaving the park, the female relative mistakenly thought that all of the kids were in the car and accidentally struck the victim with her vehicle. 

Ride: None (employee-only access road)
Date: October 1st, 2023
Cause of Death: Fall from moving vehicle
Situation: A 43-year-old woman was thrown from a moving 2004 Ford Econoline as it made a left-hand turn on an employee-only access road. The woman immediately suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Grady Hospital, where she was declared deceased. The van was being driven by a Six Flags Over Georgia employee and had several more employees in the rear cargo compartment, including the victim. An investigation into the accident is still ongoing.

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is the first-ever amusement park in the Six Flags franchise. After visiting Disneyland, Angus Wynne Jr. concluded that his home state of Texas needed a similar theme park. Thus, the first Six Flags park opened its gates in 1961.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been five reported deaths at Six Flags Over Texas. 

Ride: El Sombrero
Date: August 8th, 1968
Cause of Death: Fall into machinery
Situation: An 18-year-old park employee was fatally injured while attempting to help riders off El Sombrero. The victim lost his footing and fell into a three-foot deep machinery pit, where he suffered deadly face and head wounds. 

Ride: Roaring Rapids
Date: March 21st, 1999
Cause of Death: Drowning
Lawsuit: Victim’s family received a $4 million settlement from Six Flags, with an additional lawsuit brought against a manufacturer of the ride’s parts
Situation: A 28-year-old woman drowned and 10 other park visitors were injured when the raft they were on suddenly overturned. The air chambers keeping the vessel afloat abruptly deflated and the raft then caught on an underwater pipe, which flipped the boat over. Six Flags settled with the victim’s family for $4 million. The amusement park anticipated recovering most of the settlement value from a second lawsuit against the ride’s manufacturer. 

Ride: Hurricane Harbor
Date: September 5th, 2011
Cause of Death: Drowning
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuit filed
Situation: A 64-year-old grandmother was found unresponsive in the park’s lazy river. She was removed from the water and employees began to attempt CPR, but the victim’s family alleges that the park’s response was insufficient. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim’s family alleges that treatment was delayed, proper medical procedures were not followed, and a faulty defibrillator was used during the rescue attempt. 

Ride: New Texas Giant
Date: July 19th, 2013
Cause of Death: Multiple traumatic injuries
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuits filed against Six Flags and Gerstlauer, both settled for undisclosed amounts
Situation: A 52-year-old mother was thrown from the New Texas Giant rollercoaster, falling approximately 75 feet to her death. Eyewitnesses report that the victim feared she was not properly secured on the ride before the fatal fall. When the woman was ejected from her seat, she fell from the height of approximately a seven-story building, hitting a metal support beam on the way down. Her family filed wrongful death lawsuits against the theme park and ride’s manufacturer, receiving undisclosed settlements from both parties. 

Ride: Hurricane Harbor
Date: June 23rd, 2021
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Situation: A fight broke out between six-to-eight people in the parking lot of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. An off-duty police officer that witnessed the brawl and heard a gunshot found one teenage victim apparently shot a single time. The 16-year-old was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injury. An 18-year-old man was later arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. 

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags St. Louis

Originally known as Six Flags Over Mid-America, Six Flags St. Louis is the third amusement park in Angus Wynne’s original franchise. The park opened in 1971 and has undergone multiple renovations and area redesigns since its initial launch.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been four reported deaths at Six Flags St. Louis.

Ride: Skyway
Date: July 26th, 1978
Cause of Death: Fall
Lawsuit: A $4.5 million lawsuit was filed on behalf of the surviving rider
Situation: A support beam on the Skyway broke, sending a gondola with four occupants in it plummeting to the ground. A man and two of his three nieces, all of whom were in the gondola, perished in the accident. The ride was shut down immediately, with firefighters called to the scene to rescue the then-trapped occupants of other gondolas. 

Ride: Rail Blazer
Date: July 7th, 1984
Cause of Death: Fall
Lawsuit: Wrongful death lawsuit filed, $1.8 million settlement approved
Situation: A 46-year-old woman was thrown to her death from the Rail Blazer which, at the time, was the third stand-up rollercoaster in the world. Park statements claimed that the victim fainted and fell from the car, but her husband’s account contradicts that narrative. He states that she had simply been flung from the car on a sharp curve. A wrongful death lawsuit resulted in a $1.8 million settlement for the victim’s family.

Fatal Accidents at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure / Ohio

Six Flags Worlds of Adventure is a former Six Flags amusement park. The park began operating in 1887 and went through many owners, briefly becoming a part of the Six Flags franchise from 2000 to 2003. 

As of July 30th, 2024, there has been one reported death at Six Flags Worlds of Adventure (while under the name Geauga Lake).

Ride: Double Loop
Date: May 23, 1997
Cause of Death: Asthma attack
Situation: A 14-year-old girl on a field trip to the amusement park began to have trouble breathing during the Double Loop roller coaster. The victim collapsed after the ride ended and was quickly transported to Columbia Solon St. Luke’s Medical Center. She was pronounced dead at the hospital and it was discovered that she had suffered a serious asthma attack.

Fatal Accidents at Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun was brought to life by Lamar Hunt, the then-owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. The park initially opened in 1973 after seventeen months of construction. In 1982, Oceans of Fun opened next to Worlds of Fun, with the former becoming the largest water park in the world. Admission to the water park is included with admission to Worlds of Fun.

As of July 30th, 2024, there have been three reported deaths at Worlds of Fun.

Ride: Timber Wolf
Date: June 30th, 1995
Cause of Death: Fall
Legal Proceedings: Ride manufacturer Dinn Corporation and park owner Hunt-Midwest settle with the victim’s family for $200,000
Situation: A 14-year-old girl fell to her death from the coaster. Witnesses claimed to see the victim lifting her restraints before the fatal fall, but the family contested the park’s claim that the ride was operating normally. The ride’s manufacturer and park owner settled with the victim’s family after the tragic incident.

Ride: Oceans of Fun
Date: August 24th, 2019
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: A 14-year-old boy nearly drowned in the wave pool. First responders were able to regain the victim’s pulse by performing CPR, but he later died at a local hospital after being taken off life support.

Ride: Oceans of Fun
Date: July 5th, 2022
Cause of Death: Drowning
Situation: A 6-year-old girl was spotted drowning in Coconut Cove Pool. She was pulled from the water by lifeguards, who began performing CPR. The victim was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Methodology

For this study, we primarily drew upon data collected by the United States Department of Labor and Rides DataBase. After creating a list of accidents from the aforementioned sources, we reviewed historical archives, local newspapers, and legal records to gain additional information about each incident. To protect the privacy of victims’ families, those that lost their lives in Six Flags accidents have not been named in this study. 

If you would like to use any of the visuals or statistics found in this study for republishing or news reports, please provide a link back to this page.