Teen hit by amusement ride, dies

AUSTELL, Ga., June 28 (UPI) -- A teenage boy was decapitated Saturday when hit by a roller coaster ride at Six Flags Over Georgia, authorities said.

Cobb County police were investigating the 17-year-old's death, WXIA-TV in Atlanta reported. The boy's head was cut off when he was struck by the amusement park's Batman Roller Coaster, the TV station reported. However, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Cobb County police would not confirm the victim, whose name was not released, was decapitated.

Six Flags representatives said the youth, who was with a church group from Springfield, S.C., had jumped over two 6-foot-high fences around the ride area. The newspaper reported a park spokeswoman said it was not known why he had leaped the fences.

"We do not know why this person was intent on gaining access to this restricted area, as multiple signs clearly state: Danger Zone/Do Not Enter/Authorized Personnel Only," park spokeswoman Hela Sheth said in a statement.

"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. This is merely speculation at this point, and we are working with park visitors and local police to learn more."