Death at Six Flags Over Georgia UPDATE: Who is Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem
Ayer, 12:32
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta resident and school employee, has been identified as the man who died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026. The fatal accident, which also injured four people, prompted the amusement park operator to temporarily close several roller coasters across the United States.
The Cobb County Police Department confirmed the victim’s identity on Tuesday, October 13, as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident at the amusement park in Mableton, Georgia, near Atlanta.
According to authorities, Kariem was thrown from the Goliath roller coaster, struck other park visitors and fell beneath the attraction. Emergency responders found him unresponsive, and he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Who was Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem?
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was a 42-year-old Atlanta resident who worked as an information technology manager at Wesley International Academy, a charter school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The school operates within the Atlanta Public Schools community, which confirmed his employment and expressed condolences following his death.
Atlanta Public Schools described Kariem as a valued member of the educational community whose contributions would be missed by students, staff and families.
Kariem was also a father. According to witness accounts reported by People, his son was seated beside him when the fatal incident occurred, while his wife and daughter were elsewhere in the amusement park.
What happened at Six Flags Over Georgia?
The accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on Monday, October 12, aboard Goliath, one of the park’s most recognizable roller coasters.
Police officers responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. after receiving reports that a passenger had fallen from the attraction.
Witnesses described seeing Kariem leave his seat while the roller coaster was operating.
Local television station WSB-TV reported that four additional people were injured and transported to a hospital. Authorities have not disclosed the full extent of their injuries.
The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, while Georgia state safety officials are conducting their own examination.
Investigators have not established what caused Kariem to be ejected from the ride.
Six Flags closes roller coasters after deadly accident
Following the fatal accident, Six Flags Entertainment temporarily suspended operations on nine similar roller coasters at other parks as a precautionary measure.
The company said it was cooperating with authorities and providing support to those affected by the tragedy.
Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches approximately 200 feet in height and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials seeking to determine how the fatal ejection occurred and whether additional safety measures are necessary.
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