Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem Dies After Falling From Six Flags Roller Coaster
Forty-two-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died on Monday, Oct. 12, after being ejected from the 200-foot-tall Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, prompting the park’s operator to temporarily shut down nine similar rides nationwide. As detectives investigate the fatal fall, witnesses describe a horrific sequence of events that left passengers stranded on the hypercoaster and community members mourning a valued local educator.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem Identified as Victim of Fatal Fall
The Cobb County Police Department identified Kariem as the man who died following preliminary witness and employee interviews indicating he was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction. Atlanta Public Schools confirmed that Kariem was an employee at Wesley International Academy. While school leadership and district statements noted his deep impact on the community, it remained unclear what his specific role was, with the district not immediately responding to inquiries.
The fatal incident occurred just before 4 p.m. at the Austell theme park located about 11 miles west of downtown Atlanta. Lisa N. Cupid, chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow over the tragedy, noting the horror witnessed by patrons and employees at the park, which opened in 1967.
Eyewitnesses Describe Terrifying Moments on Goliath
Riders and bystanders recounted harrowing details of the accident to local news stations. Logan Conner told news outlets that he and his fiancée made direct eye contact with Kariem as the victim came out of his seat and struck the ride’s cart multiple times before the attraction stopped. Another witness, Brittany Landry, said she was waiting in line when she saw someone fly out of the coaster and into a blocked-off wooded area, initially believing someone had dropped a bag.
Other passengers reported being trapped on the Goliath train while it remained stopped on the track near the first hill for about an hour without updates as crowds rushed from the area.
Six Flags Closes Nine Similar Roller Coasters Nationwide
Out of an abundance of caution following the incident, Six Flags Entertainment Corp. temporarily closed nine roller coasters across its parks. One of these is the Orion roller coaster at Kings Island in Mason, OH. Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner announced an in-depth review by its investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy adds to historical safety scrutiny at the park, which has recorded at least seven fatalities since 1989—including restricted-area pedestrian strikes, auto accidents, and a 2006 incident where a man likely suffered a heart attack on the same Goliath coaster, according to data cited by the Doan Law Firm. The event also follows recent high-profile litigation and ride retirements across the industry, including the closure of the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain following wrongful-death lawsuits.
Cobb County Police and State Investigators Continue Review
Detectives with the Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit and state fire safety inspectors continue to examine the mechanical and operational factors involved in the ejection. Six Flags stated that local authorities and staff responded immediately and that the corporation is cooperating fully with the investigation while offering support to affected guests and employees. Neither Six Flags nor local police provided further operational details as the active inquiry proceeds.