# Atlanta Man Dies After Ejection from Six Flags Rollercoaster, Inspections Underway

> Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, prompting investigations and the temporary closure of nine similar rides across the park chain.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-20T09:56:12.103274Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/atlanta-man-dies-after-ejection-from-six-flags-rollercoaster-inspections-underway-9c95da39

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old man from Atlanta, died on October 12, 2026, after being ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, an incident that also resulted in injuries to four minors [1][9]. Cobb County Police officers responded to the scene around 3:58 p.m. and found Kariem unresponsive beneath the attraction [9].

The fatality raises significant public safety concerns for amusement park rides, particularly because the Goliath rollercoaster had passed its annual state inspection just months prior with no reported issues [1][9][13]. The incident highlights the potential risks even on regularly inspected attractions and the severe impact such tragedies have on individuals, families, and the wider community.

## What the records show

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was an IT manager, technology teacher, and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy, an Atlanta charter school, for over 12 years [1][2][3]. His school described him as a "cherished member" and stated his dedication to students and the community was evident in his work [2][3].

Two separate investigations are underway: one by the Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit and another by the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire [1][7][8]. Officials from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) have maintained an investigative presence at Six Flags Over Georgia since shortly after the incident [7]. Investigators and engineers are conducting an extensive review of the ride's equipment, operation, and relevant documentation [7][12].

The Goliath rollercoaster underwent its annual state inspection on March 16, 2026, and passed with no reported violations, deficiencies, citations, or red tags [9][11][13]. Despite the clear inspection record, eyewitnesses reported hearing unusual clicking noises from restraints on the ride prior to the incident [5][6]. People who rode the Goliath before Kariem that day also described concerns about its restraints [15].

## The timeline

On October 12, 2026, at approximately 3:58 p.m., Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia [1][9]. Police and emergency services responded to the scene, where Kariem was found unresponsive [9]. The incident also led to injuries for four minors who were transported to local hospitals [9]. Following the fatality, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across its parks "out of an abundance of caution" [16]. The state's most recent inspection of the Goliath ride had occurred on March 16, 2026 [11][13].

## What changed and for whom

The immediate change following Kariem's death was the temporary closure of Goliath and eight other similar roller coasters at Six Flags parks [16]. The Goliath ride itself "remains secured" and out of service as the state's investigation proceeds [13][12]. For the Wesley International Academy community, the loss of Kariem, a beloved educator, IT manager, and robotics coach, has been described as devastating [2][3]. Both the Cobb County Police and the state's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire have launched investigations to determine the cause of the incident [1][7].

## What the subject has said publicly

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King stated that his department is approaching the investigation "with the urgency, diligence, and unwavering commitment to public safety that this tragedy demands" [7][9]. King also said, "This is not an investigation in which we will cut corners, rush to conclusions, or leave questions unanswered without making every effort to resolve them" [7][13]. Richard Pretlow, Six Flags Over Georgia's park president, issued a statement thanking patrons, offering condolences to Kariem's family, and reiterating the park's commitment to safety [15]. Pretlow noted that "While serious incidents of this nature are exceedingly rare, we never take responsibility to our guests for granted and remain committed to continuously strengthening our operations and safety practices" [15].

## What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific nature of the alleged "unusual clicking sounds" from the restraints reported by eyewitnesses [5][6]. The official cause of Kariem's ejection from the ride has not been announced by authorities [5]. It remains unconfirmed whether any reported earlier interruptions in Goliath's operations or maintenance activity contributed to the incident [5].

## Evidence cited
1. Family of US man who died on Six Flags ride question if death was preventable (www.theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/16/family-six-flags-georgia-rollercoaster-death
2. Six Flags victim was 'cherished' educator with Atlanta Public Schools - Albany Metro Community (albanymetrocommunity.com) — https://albanymetrocommunity.com/2026/10/14/six-flags-victim-was-cherished-educator-with-atlanta-public-schools/
3. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem: Family mourns Atlanta teacher, coach killed in Six Flags Goliath accident (11alive.com) — https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/hassan-jihad-ibn-kariem-six-flags-over-georgia-goliath-death-family-tribute-teacher-coach/85-30040713-79d3-469b-8d69-3a339f4e24ef
4. Who was Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem? Atlanta teacher dies after falling from roller coaster (hindustantimes.com) — https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/hassan-jihad-ibn-kariem-six-flags-over-georgia-death-educator-goliath-roller-coaster-victim-101665675407026.html
5. Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath investigation live updates: Eyewitness accounts, state inspection (attractionsmagazine.com) — https://www.attractionsmagazine.com/six-flags-over-georgia-goliath-investigation-live-updates-eyewitness-accounts-state-inspection/
6. Unusual clicking sounds from restraints on Six Flags roller coaster before fatality (headtopics.com) — https://headtopics.com/us/unusual-clicking-sounds-from-restraints-on-six-flags-roller-coaster-before-fatality-45417855
7. Commissioner King Provides Update on Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath Roller Coaster Investigation | Georgia.gov (georgia.gov) — https://www.georgia.gov/press-release/2026-10-15/commissioner-king-provides-update-six-flags-over-georgia-goliath-roller
8. King: Georgia investigating Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath roller coaster incident - 92.1 WLHR Lake Hartwell Radio (921wlhr.com) — https://921wlhr.com/king-georgia-investigating-six-flags-over-georgia-goliath-roller-coaster-incident/
9. Six Flags Over Georgia's Goliath roller coaster passed inspection months before fatal incident - CBS News (cbsnews.com) — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/six-flags-over-georgia-roller-coaster-death-goliath-inspection/
10. Officials investigate whether ride inspections met state requirements following Six Flags fatality (wsbtv.com) — https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cobb-county/authorities-investigating-deadly-incident-six-flags-over-georgia-roller-coaster/G3426Z7WTVBX7F976B2T547AUM/
11. Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia passed inspection before fatal fall (fox5atlanta.com) — https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/goliath-roller-coaster-six-flags-over-georgia-passed-inspection-before-fatal-fall
12. Six Flags Over Georgia roller coaster passed inspection before deadly incident (youtube.com) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3X7K8B_p7M
13. Georgia officials: Six Flags Over Georgia 'Goliath' coaster passed inspection before fatal fall (ksro.com) — https://ksro.com/2026/10/15/georgia-officials-six-flags-over-georgia-goliath-coaster-passed-inspection-before-fatal-fall/
14. Man dies after falling from rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia (1news.co.nz) — https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/16/man-dies-after-falling-from-rollercoaster-at-six-flags-over-georgia/
15. Man dies after being ejected from roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia (whdh.com) — https://whdh.com/news/man-dies-after-being-ejected-from-roller-coaster-at-six-flags-over-georgia/
16. Six Flags Closes 9 Rides After Fatal Roller Coaster Accident (mensjournal.com) — https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/six-flags-closes-9-rides-after-fatal-roller-coaster-accident
17. Man killed on Six Flags roller coaster was thrown from seat, struck other patrons, police say (pbs.org) — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/man-killed-on-six-flags-roller-coaster-was-thrown-from-seat-struck-other-patrons-police-say
18. Man dies after falling from roller coaster at Six Flags over Georgia, witnesses say (9news.com) — https://www.9news.com/article/news/nation-world/man-dies-after-falling-from-six-flags-roller-coaster/507-9e7987e9-4e78-430c-ab2f-a2e6f477e682
19. Six Flags Over Georgia Fatal Accident: Goliath Roller Coaster Leaves One Dead, Four Injured | Latin Times (latintimes.com) — https://www.latintimes.com/six-flags-over-georgia-fatal-accident-goliath-roller-coaster-leaves-one-dead-four-injured-494396
20. Six Flags Over Georgia death: Man dies in roller coaster incident - Blooloop (blooloop.com) — https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/six-flags-over-georgia-death-roller-coaster-incident/
21. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem identified as man who died on Six Flags Over Georgia rollercoaster | Georgia | The Guardian (theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/13/hassan-jihad-ibn-kariem-identified-as-man-who-died-on-six-flags-georgia-rollercoaster
22. Man identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem dies after being ejected from roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia - CBS News (cbsnews.com) — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/six-flags-over-georgia-goliath-roller-coaster-death-hassan-jihad-ibn-kariem/
23. Man killed on Six Flags roller coaster identified - The Georgia Sun (thegeorgiasun.com) — https://www.thegeorgiasun.com/2026/10/13/man-killed-on-six-flags-roller-coaster-identified/
24. Six Flags Magic Mountain closes Goliath roller coaster after fatal incident in Georgia - CBS Los Angeles (cbsnews.com) — https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/six-flags-magic-mountain-closes-goliath-roller-coaster-after-fatal-incident-in-georgia/
25. Six Flags closes nine rollercoasters after fatal incident on Goliath ride in Georgia | Six Flags | The Guardian (theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/12/six-flags-closes-rollercoasters-after-fatal-incident-on-goliath-ride-in-georgia
26. Man dies after falling from Six Flags roller coaster, witnesses say (khou.com) — https://www.khou.com/article/news/nation-world/man-dies-after-falling-from-six-flags-roller-coaster/285-11e2f3d5-18ae-4f05-87fe-f131102434ae
27. BREAKING: Man Dies, Four Injured On Goliath Roller Coaster At Six Flags Over Georgia - WSB-TV (youtube.com) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1X9e_8p_jM
28. HORRIBLE FATES: The Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath Roller Coaster Accident (youtube.com) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq8iXF9sN_8
29. Georgia safety officials investigating after person dies at Six Flags Over Georgia (wsbtv.com) — https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cobb-county/georgia-safety-officials-investigating-after-person-dies-six-flags/L2KNY34UAVB2JGHWFXJ64G436Y/
30. Six Flags Georgia Roller Coaster Death: What We Know (mensjournal.com) — https://www.mensjournal.com/entertainment/six-flags-georgia-roller-coaster-death-what-we-know
31. Six Flags Retreats 17% as Fatal Georgia Coaster Incident Closes Rides Across Its Parks; United Parks & Resorts Slips. — https://247wallst.com/
32. A Deadly Accident Has Experts Calling For New Laws to Make Roller Coasters Safer (mensjournal.com) — https://www.mensjournal.com/
33. Six Flags shuts down 9 more roller coasters after deadly accident on Goliath (youtube.com) — https://www.youtube.com/
34. Six Flags closes 9 coasters after deadly accident in Georgia (sandhillsexpress.com) — https://www.sandhillsexpress.com/
35. Six Flags closes 9 rides after a man fell to his death from roller coaster (livenowfox.com) — https://www.livenowfox.com/
36. Six Flags Closes 9 Coasters In U.S. And Canada After Fatal Accident (piratesandprincesses.net) — https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/
37. Six Flags closes 9 coasters after deadly accident in Georgia (ksl.com) — https://www.ksl.com/
38. Six Flags Shuts 9 Coasters After Fatal Accident (inkl.com) — https://www.inkl.com/
39. Six Flags Temporarily Closes 9 Coasters After Fatal Accident (colombiaone.com) — https://www.colombiaone.com/
40. Six Flags closes 9 coasters after deadly accident in Georgia (saobserver.com) — https://www.saobserver.com/
41. (October 12 2026) AUSTELL, Ga. – Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six amusement parks on Monday after one person died and several others were injured in an incident involving a coaster in Georgia. Officials did not confirm how the person died, nor how the others were injured or their medical conditions after the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Atlanta. Recommended Videos. Cobb County Police Department major crimes unit detec (ksat.com) — https://ksat.com/
42. (October 13 2026) Six Flags Closes Nine Rides 'Out of an Abundance of Caution' After Fatal Georgia Roller Coaster Incident. Police are investigating the incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, while the company says similar attractions have been closed as a precaution. By Francis Miñoza Published 13 October 2026, 5:01 PM BST. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Share on Flipboard Share on Pocket. Six Flags has closed nine roller coasters after a fatal incident on the (ibtimes.co.uk) — https://ibtimes.co.uk/
43. (October 13 2026) Six Flags shuts roller coasters at six parks after death in Georgia. The company said it closed nine rides “out of an abundance of caution,” as local police launched an investigation into the incident. October 13, 2026. 1 min. A roller coaster in Austell, Georgia, on Monday. (Emily Megnien/AP). By Aoife Walsh. Six Flags has closed nine roller coasters across six theme parks after one person died and several others were injured on a ride in Georgia on Monday. Police are investig (washingtonpost.com) — https://washingtonpost.com/
44. (October 13 2026) Six Flags has temporarily shut nine roller coasters across North America after one person died and four others were injured in an incident at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, 12 October, according to local reports. Cobb County Police said an incident involving a roller coaster occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia at approximately 3.58pm on Monday, 12 October. Officers assigned to the park and uniformed patrol officers responded, and detectives from the department's Major Crimes  (inkl.com) — https://inkl.com/
45. (October 12 2026) Six Flags says nine rollercoasters across six amusement parks temporarily closed after reported fatal incident on Goliath ride in Georgia. ... The theme park company Six Flags temporarily closed nine rollercoasters across six amusement parks on Monday after one person died and several others were injured in an incident involving a coaster in Georgia. A spokesperson for the park said they closed similar attractions across their parks “out of an abundance of caution” after the in (theguardian.com) — https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/12/six-flags-goliath-rollercoaster-georgia-death-closure
46. (October 13 2026) Six Flags has temporarily closed nine rides across six of its parks after a man died when he fell from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, the company said. The man fell out of his seat on Goliath, a hypercoaster that reaches 70 miles per hour and 200 feet high, witnesses said. Several other people were injured in the incident, police said. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks," a Six Flags spokespers (cbsnews.com) — https://cbsnews.com/
47. (October 13 2026) The amusement park operator Six Flags says it's temporarily closing nine of its roller coasters at half a dozen parks across the U.S. This follows the death of a person who fell from a coaster yesterday at Six Flags over Georgia near Atlanta. Several other people were injured in the deadly incident. A Six Flags spokesperson said the park and local authorities responded immediately and that they are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate. Authorities and Si (youtube.com) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ