In brief
A 42‑year‑old man named Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was thrown from a Six Flags roller‑coaster at the Georgia park, striking other riders before falling to his death. Police say the incident occurred just before 16:00 local time and that the Goliath ride had stopped midway. Witnesses describe the scene as traumatic, with riders calling 911 and struggling to understand what happened. Six Flags has temporarily shut down nine rides across North America for precautionary inspection. The park and state officials are launching a full review while the family mourns a devoted educator who survived two bouts of cancer.
By Kathryn Armstrong | 2 minutes ago
Warning: This story includes distressing content
A 42‑year‑old man named Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was tragically ejected from the Goliath roller‑coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, striking fellow riders before falling to his death. Police statements indicate the incident occurred just before 16:00 local time on Monday, and preliminary witness interviews confirm the man was expelled from the ride and hit others before dropping beneath the track.
The park’s Goliath, opened in 2006, reaches 200 ft in height and reaches speeds up to 70 mph. The ride was visibly halted midway when news helicopters captured aerial footage of the involved car.
Following the accident, Six Flags has temporarily closed nine rides across the U.S. and Canada as a precautionary measure. State officials are also conducting a safety review. No news conference has taken place and details remain scarce.
Witness Accounts
Nick Mendenhall described seeing the man exit his seat, collide with another cart, and then fall to the ground. “It was just super, super bizarre, traumatic,” he told the AP. Connor Thompson reported hearing frantic screams, “Call 911! Someone fell out!” while he waited in line. Cici Nelson noted an empty seat with a loose safety bar and a woman covered in blood.
Brittany Landry, who was among the visitors, said she cried after seeing the violent scene unfold.
Victim Profile
Mr. Kariem, a father and educator from Atlanta, had survived two bouts of cancer and had been in a car crash with his 10‑year‑old daughter three weeks before his death. He served as an IT manager, technology teacher, and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy for over 12 years. Outside work, he enjoyed laser engraving, 3D printing, cooking, anime, and family time.
The death marks the seventh fatal incident at Six Flags, according to the Doan Law Firm, which tracks amusement‑park accidents. Over the last 15 years, two similar deaths prompted lawsuits and settlements. The incident adds to a series of earlier tragedies that have raised safety concerns across the park’s 20 amusement parks and 14 water parks.
The park announced its condolences to the victim’s family, stating it was “deeply saddened by the guest incident” and offering support to loved ones.
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