What we know about the fatal roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia

Fatal fall at Six Flags Over Georgia prompts investigation and widespread mourning

Sandego.net – A fatal incident on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has left the Atlanta-area community grieving as investigators examine how a 42-year-old educator fell during a ride Monday afternoon.

Cobb County Police identified the man as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, an Atlanta public charter school employee who served as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach. His death has drawn tributes from students, colleagues and school leaders who described him as a valued member of the Wesley International Academy community.

Investigators examine events on Goliath

The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. Monday. Initial information collected from witnesses and park employees indicated that Kariem was ejected from a roller coaster, police said. Authorities said he struck other riders before falling below the track, where he was discovered unresponsive and not breathing.

Police did not publicly name the ride involved. Witness accounts identified it as Goliath, a hypercoaster that rises 200 feet, reaches speeds of 70 mph and lasts 210 seconds. Footage from above showed riders halted on a steep section of the coaster before they were escorted down a tall evacuation stairway.

One witness said the man made contact with the train several times before landing on the roof of a haunted-house attraction below the ride. Another visitor said a souvenir photo from the ride appeared to show the falling man.

CiCi Nelson, who had been waiting to board Goliath, said a train returned with one vacant seat while other passengers were visibly distraught. She said the restraint at the empty seat appeared loose and that a younger passenger seemed injured and covered in blood. Emergency crews arrived soon afterward, and people in the surrounding area were directed to leave.

“He fell and hit the car three different times” before falling onto the roof of a haunted house attraction below.

Nelson said a man nearby was urgently asking employees to summon help after realizing that someone had fallen from the ride.

KeJuan Taylor, a Six Flags supervisor, said he was the first person to locate Kariem after the fall. He said the experience has remained with him in the days since the incident.

“I have not suffered any physical injuries but it has been on my mind very recently through these past days.”

“Genuinely horrifying.”

Police said four minors were injured. Additional details about their conditions will not be released because they are children.

State and local agencies begin reviews

Detectives from the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating Kariem’s death and have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the department.

The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, the state agency responsible for amusement and carnival ride safety inspections, has also opened its own review of the coaster. Its investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of the incident and whether applicable operating and safety requirements were followed.

“Our investigative team is conducting an in-depth and comprehensive review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.”

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said inspectors had examined the rides before the park season began and were now conducting a detailed on-site review, including interviews and further inspection work.

“Our very professional inspectors have inspected every one of those (roller coasters) before the park season even started, and they’re currently on the ground looking at every nook and cranny, conducting interviews and conducting a thorough review of what happened.”

King said he hopes to provide the public with confidence about ride safety once the investigation is complete.

“I look forward to be able to report back to the Georgia public that these rides are safe, they will continue to be safe, and we will continue inspecting them from top to bottom.”

In the immediate aftermath, at least 10 comparable rides at six parks in the United States and Canada were temporarily shut down while investigators work to determine what happened. The closures reflect the broad attention being given to the safety questions raised by the fatal fall.

An educator remembered by his school community

For many people in Atlanta, the loss extends far beyond the amusement park. Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school, in several roles tied to technology and student learning. His work included managing information technology, teaching technology and coaching robotics.

Atlanta Public Schools called him a “cherished member” of the school community. The district said his absence will be felt by students, staff members and others who knew him.

“Presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched.”

His roles at the school placed him at the intersection of daily campus operations and hands-on education. As investigators continue their work, the tributes emerging from the school system underscore the personal loss felt by the people who worked with him and the students he supported.

Six Flags Over Georgia expressed condolences to Kariem’s family, friends and loved ones Monday evening.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones.”

The cause of the fall has not been established. Investigators are still gathering witness statements, examining the ride and reviewing the events leading up to the incident. Until those findings are complete, key questions about the circumstances remain unanswered.