A man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, October 12. The incident took place shortly before 4 p.m. during a busy Columbus Day visit. Several other park visitors were also reported injured.
The victim was identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta. Police found him unresponsive and not breathing after the fall. Officials have not yet explained what caused the incident. The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation.
The park was crowded during the holiday. Many families had time off from school, and some local schools were also on fall break. Visitors said the day had been warm, bringing large numbers of people to the attraction.
Several witnesses described a frightening scene near the coaster. Some said they saw Kariem leave his seat and fall from the ride. Their accounts also claimed that he struck parts of the coaster and other visitors before landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house attraction. Investigators have not confirmed every detail of these reports.
CiCi Nelson was waiting in line when the ride returned to the station. She said she noticed an empty seat in the coaster car. Nelson also claimed that the safety bar appeared loose. She recalled seeing a girl who seemed to be hurt and had blood on her.
Those observations have not been confirmed as the cause of the accident. Police have not said whether a restraint failed or whether another issue played a role. The investigation will need to establish what happened before the fall.
Another rider said staff members had checked the riders’ safety harnesses before the coaster began its trip. It remains unclear what those checks showed or whether they have any link to the incident.
Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school in Atlanta. He served as an information technology manager, technology teacher and robotics coach. He had worked within the Atlanta Public Schools district for more than 12 years.
The school community shared messages of grief following his death. Wesley International Academy described Kariem as a valued member of its community. Atlanta Public Schools also expressed sympathy for his family, friends and colleagues.
The fatal incident was not the only problem reported on Goliath that afternoon. Another group of riders became stuck high above the ground on the track. Some remained there for at least an hour as park staff worked to bring them down.
Ben Edwards, a visitor from Canada, was among those who became stranded. Staff members eventually guided the riders down stairs placed along the track. The group was seen making its way down at about 5 p.m.
The park was also clearing visitors from the area after the emergency. Rahim Hakmati, who holds a season ticket, said he had ridden Goliath the night before and had not noticed a problem. He arrived on Monday as the park began sending people away from the attraction.
Goliath is a large hypercoaster known for its height and speed. The ride reaches a top speed of about 70 miles per hour and rises roughly 200 feet above the ground. Its track stretches around 4,480 feet, and a normal ride lasts about 210 seconds.
The coaster’s size and speed make safety checks an important part of its operation. However, officials have not said whether the ride had any earlier problems or whether its equipment was working as expected before Monday’s event.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the fall and gather accounts from witnesses and park staff. Any findings about the restraint system or the ride’s operation will depend on the evidence collected.
For now, the cause of the Six Flags Goliath coaster death remains unknown. Police have not announced whether the case could lead to further action. The investigation continues as Kariem’s school community and loved ones mourn his death.
