Police have identified 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, an Atlanta teacher, as the man who died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, 12 October 2026, at the park in Mableton, near Atlanta. Kariem was riding the coaster when he was thrown from his seat, struck other riders and fell beneath the attraction.
Cobb County police said officers found him unresponsive and not breathing under the ride just before 4 p.m.
Preliminary information from witnesses and employees indicated he was ejected and hit other patrons before landing beneath the coaster.
Several other people were injured and taken to hospital. The exact number and nature of their injuries have not been fully detailed.
Kariem worked as an information technology manager at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school under Atlanta Public Schools. Colleagues and family described him as a cherished educator and dedicated family man.
Witnesses reported that Kariem was riding with a child when the incident happened. Family members were present at the park.
Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches heights of about 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 mph. It is one of Georgia’s tallest roller coasters.
In response, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across its parks in the United States and Canada as a precaution while the investigation continues.
Cobb County police and the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are investigating the circumstances of the incident. The manufacturer of the ride, Bolliger & Mabillard, said it is also examining what happened.
Six Flags Over Georgia expressed condolences to Kariem’s family and said it is cooperating fully with authorities.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
