Teen Decapitated In Six Flags Accident

This undated photo provided by The Art Institute of Chicago shows the painting "Oh, Jeff...I Love You, Too...But?" by the late pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. The artwork will be part of the exhibit ?Roy Lichtenstein: A Retrospective,? which runs through Sept. 3, 2012 before traveling to Washington, London and Paris. (AP Photo/Courtesy the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein via The Art Institute of Chicago)

A teenager was decapitated by a roller coaster after he hopped a pair of fences and entered a restricted area Saturday at Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park, authorities said.

Six Flags officials are uncertain why the unidentified 17-year-old from Columbia, South Carolina, scaled two 6-foot fences and passed signs that said the restricted area was both off-limits and dangerous to visitors, spokeswoman Hela Sheth said in a news release.

Authorities were investigating reports from witnesses who said the teenager jumped the fences to retrieve a hat he lost while riding the Batman roller coaster, said Cobb County police Sgt. Dana Pierce. Three security guards were keeping visitors away from the ride on Saturday.

Police said the ride was going full-speed when the teen was struck. The ride's top speed is 50 mph, according to the Six Flags Web site.

No one riding on the roller coaster was injured, Sheth said. The teen's friend also entered the restricted area but was not injured, Pierce said.

The teen and his parents were at the park with a group from the Oakey Spring Baptist Church near Springfield, South Carolina, police said.

In June 2007, a teenager's legs were severed when cables snapped on the Superman Tower of Power ride at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky. Doctors were able to reattach Kaitlyn Lasitter's right foot, but she had to have some of her left leg amputated and subsequent surgeries.

State officials blame a faulty cable and slow response by an amusement park ride operator in the accident. Her family is suing Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, claiming the park failed to maintain the ride and equipment and ensure riders' safety. The amusement park has denied liability in court filings.

[johnggonzalez]

Most of you people are insensitive. How many words have you dedicated to discussing whether or not he deserved to die? This boy is dead. Think for one second if you put your clothes on tomorrow morning, went about your daily routine and at 2:43 pm you are all of a sudden a lifeless corpse to be mourned over by your grieving family members. Emotional intelligence, people. That is what is important.

[Raelyn28]

I cannot believe that some of you people here are so insensitive. My gosh, the kid made a huge mistake and he suffered the consequences big time along with his family and friends. Accidents happen all the time. I have seen people make really stupid mistakes driving for instance or driving drunk, etc... so many of the same careless acts and we all are guilty. The bottom line? Where is the compassion because I don't see any here. And why do you attack Christianity? Not all Christians say "It must of been God's will". Tell me where does it say that in the Bible. God is a good God and why does He get blamed for all the bad things when people who have free will make their own choices. So please give it up and get some empathy...

You guys are the ones that need prayer... I feel sorry for you.. laughing and saying LOL about a tragedy. Shame on you...

[keviny928]

This is Darwin Awards worthy

[megamanx1-2009]

Maybe was just so upset he couldn''t get his hat back that he just got rid of his whole head

[latrocinor-2009]

NO NO NO NO....

GOD HAS PRESONALLY TOLD ME THE TRUITH. HE SAID THAT THE PEOPLE WHO NEVER HEARD IF JUSUS ALWAYS AND FOR SURE GO TO HEAVEN.

ON THE COTRARY, GOD ALSO TOLD ME THAT ALL THE BELIEVER OF JESUS BECOMES SERVANTS AND SERVE THE PEOPLE WHO NEVER HEARD OF JESUS.

Posted by ChatarPatar

.... ............

God told me we''re all aready in Heaven and turned it into a slum.

[chatarpatar]

Was this kid out of his mind?
------------------------------------------------------

Posted by shawnp1968 at 02:05 PM : Jun 30, 2008


Technically he was "out of mind" before the accident... and AFTER the accident he PHYSICALLY became "out of mind"

[chatarpatar]

According to your religious philosophy, what happens to all the billions of people who were born and died and never heard of Jesus Christ?]
[Posted by minnick8 at 12:02 PM : Jun 30, 2008]

they''''''''re forgiven ... then allowed in.
Posted by bobnjersey

NO NO NO NO....

GOD HAS PRESONALLY TOLD ME THE TRUITH. HE SAID THAT THE PEOPLE WHO NEVER HEARD IF JUSUS ALWAYS AND FOR SURE GO TO HEAVEN.

ON THE COTRARY, GOD ALSO TOLD ME THAT ALL THE BELIEVER OF JESUS BECOMES SERVANTS AND SERVE THE PEOPLE WHO NEVER HEARD OF JESUS.

[rambojamie]

ok so there is on less idioit in the world he was a seventeen year old he should have been able to read not one but two signs six flags did put up a fence they shouldnt have to go back and make it higher if this kid was obviously stupid enough to climb a fence then he got what he deserved no one else should be blamed than him and his friend and six flags shouldnt have to take the blame and Have to "pay his family off" it was the own kids fault and he probably wasnt going to get a hat he was probably scavaging or something stupid

[siriusly2]

I disagree with the statement that Six Flags should erect a barrier that teenagers (or whomever) cannot physically scale. The park did it''s part by erecting the fence and posting signage - teenagers are old enough to heed warnings. And when they exhibit bad judgement, as this one did, then consequences should be expected. No, I don''t think it''s "fair" that he died for a mistake, but in the real world, this is how it works. We can only hope others will learn from his mistake.

[jengh1]

Jeez have a heart bloggers. Just because he made a bad/stupid decision doesn`t mean he deserved it. He lost his life and his family lost him. How hard that must be. Don`t rag on his poor judgement!