AUSTELL, Ga. — The family of an Atlanta educator who fell to his death from a high-speed roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia is questioning whether the fatal incident could have been avoided, as state and local authorities continue their investigation into what went wrong.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was riding the Goliath hypercoaster on Monday afternoon beside his niece when he was ejected from the train shortly before 4 p.m., according to police reports and family statements. He landed on a building near an inner service road beneath the attraction and was found unresponsive and not breathing, the New York Post reported, citing a police incident report. Four children were also injured after being struck during his fall.
The family had traveled to the amusement park outside Atlanta to celebrate a 13th birthday. Joshua Nelson, Kariem’s brother-in-law, told local affiliate WSB-TV that his daughter witnessed the terrifying moments leading up to her uncle’s death.
“She said he fainted, or passed — her words were ‘he passed out,’” Nelson told the station. “And then they went up and down, up and down, up and down — and she said it went up again and his latch, I guess, snapped or came loose and he fell.”
Nelson questioned the safety circumstances surrounding the ride, telling the outlet, “A large part of me does believe, you know, it was a freak accident, but the other part of me questions … could this have been prevented?”
State and Police Inquiries Underway
The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire have both opened inquiries into the fall. John King, the state insurance and safety fire commissioner, said in a statement that his agency is investigating the matter with urgency and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
Records from the state agency indicate the coaster was previously inspected in March and showed no warning signs at that time, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Switzerland-based manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard confirmed it is actively reviewing the incident but declined further comment until more facts are established, ABC News reported.
A parkgoer told the New York Post that the Goliath had been shut down temporarily for maintenance several hours earlier due to a wasp nest. That parkgoer and others also noted ride attendants were seen checking restraints repeatedly before the incident, which coaster enthusiasts described as standard operating procedure when ensuring passenger safety bars lock properly.
Community Mourns Longtime Educator
Kariem spent more than a decade working in Atlanta Public Schools, serving as an information technology manager, technology teacher and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy. School district officials praised his lasting impact on students and staff, calling him a cherished member of the campus community.
Following the tragedy, Six Flags temporarily suspended operations on nine roller coasters across six parks nationwide, according to The Guardian. Six Flags Over Georgia resumed operations Friday evening, though park representatives confirmed the Goliath attraction will remain closed while the inquiry continues.
Authorities have not yet released an official determination regarding why Kariem was thrown from the ride. Nelson said Kariem’s family plans to hold a memorial service once investigators conclude their work.
