In brief
A 42‑year‑old visitor to Six Flags Over Georgia was ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster and fell to his death, injuring several other riders. Authorities say the man struck other passengers before falling beneath the ride, and investigators are examining the incident. The park, which operates the coaster since 2006, has temporarily closed nine rides across the U.S. and Canada in response. Family and witnesses describe a traumatic scene, with several survivors shaken and the victim remembered as a devoted teacher and father who had survived two bouts of cancer. This is the seventh recorded death at a Six Flags park in the past 15 years, raising questions about ride safety and operator protocols.
Warning: This story includes distressing content.
A 42‑year‑old man, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, of Atlanta, died after being ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, 2 p.m. local time. Police said Kariem struck other riders before plunging beneath the tracks, where he was found dead.
The incident, first reported by the Cobb County Police Department, prompted Six Flags to temporarily shut down nine rides across the United States and Canada as a precautionary measure. The park, which opened Goliath in 2006, operates a 200‑foot drop, 70‑mph topspeed, 170‑foot plunge and a 540‑degree spiral and ranks the attraction at level four on a five‑point thrill scale.
What Happened?
Witnesses described the death in real time. Nick Mendenhall filmed a rider being expelled from the cart, followed by a violent collision with a second car before the fall. “It was just super, super bizarre, traumatic,” he told the Associated Press. Connor Thompson and CiCi Nelson recounted screams of “Call 911!” echoing through the queue as the ride stalled mid‑course.
“I broke because we were just on there,” said Brittany Landry, who was in tears when she saw the ghost‑like figure of the victim hit the track.
The incident has drawn a review from the Georgia insurance and fire safety commissioner, and the park’s own investigation is ongoing. No official statements from the incident’s timing or mechanical fault have been released yet.
Who Was Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem?
Kariem was a devoted father and educator who taught at Wesley International Academy for over a decade. After recovering from two bouts of cancer, he survived a car crash with his 10‑year‑old daughter only weeks before his untimely death. Colleagues spoke of his passion for technology and community, noting he was a respected robotics coach and IT manager who loved making laser‑engraved gifts and cooking for friends.
A Troubling Pattern
Data from the Doan Law Firm indicates that at least seven people have died at Six Flags parks in the past 15 years, with most accidents involving either riders falling from the ride or incidents in restricted areas. The most recent and infamous case involved the X2 coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain following a wave of brain‑injury claims, prompting its closure.
Authorities have not yet held a press conference; updates will come as the investigations unfold. Community members are calling for thorough safety audits and transparent reporting to avoid future tragedies.
Stay informed: Follow our live updates and community discussions for a deeper look into roller‑coaster safety and the impact on families and businesses.
