AUSTELL, Ga. — October 14, 2026 — Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator who survived cancer twice and recently escaped a fiery car crash with his young daughter, died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
His death has prompted an investigation by Georgia authorities and the temporary closure of nine similar roller coasters across North America. Source: Associated Press.
Kariem was identified by the Cobb County Police Department on Tuesday, October 13, following the incident the previous afternoon at the amusement park near Atlanta.
Preliminary information from witness and employee interviews indicated that he was thrown from the ride, struck other patrons and fell beneath the attraction, according to police.
Investigators have not established what caused him to leave his seat. Source: Cobb County Police Department.
Who Was Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem?
Beyond the circumstances of his death, Kariem was remembered by relatives as a passionate educator who loved Atlanta and was committed to bringing families together.
According to family members who spoke with 11Alive, Kariem had survived cancer twice, with his most recent battle occurring in 2018.
Approximately three weeks before the roller coaster incident, he and his 10-year-old daughter were involved in a fiery automobile accident. Both reportedly escaped without injuries.
His family described a man who had overcome significant personal challenges and remained dedicated to his community.
His sudden death has left relatives and friends grieving while seeking answers about what happened at the amusement park.
Wesley International Academy Mourns Beloved Educator
Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy, where he served as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach.
He had been part of the school community for more than 12 years.
In a statement, the academy described Kariem, affectionately known as “Mr. Kariem,” as a beloved colleague, friend and integral member of the school community.
The school highlighted his dedication to students, his commitment to Wesley and the lasting influence he had on generations of students and colleagues.
It also extended condolences to his family, friends, students and everyone affected by his death.
Atlanta Public Schools similarly expressed its deepest sympathies, describing Kariem as a cherished member of the Wesley International Academy and district communities.
The district said his presence and contributions would be deeply missed by students and staff. Both organizations asked the community to respect his family’s privacy during this difficult period.
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What Happened on the Goliath Roller Coaster?
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m. on Monday, October 12, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
Officers working at the park responded to the incident and found Kariem beneath the ride, unresponsive and not breathing.
Police secured the scene and requested assistance from the department’s Major Crimes Unit.
Witnesses described a frightening sequence in which Kariem appeared to come out of his seat, struck the coaster car and subsequently fell from the attraction.
One rider told 11Alive that the incident happened near the section where a camera takes souvenir photographs.
The witness said Kariem appeared in the group’s pictures and struck the car several times before falling onto the roof of a haunted house attraction below.
The police department’s preliminary findings corroborated that Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before landing beneath the attraction.
Several other people were reportedly injured. However, authorities had not released detailed information about their conditions in the reports reviewed for this article.
Why Was the Goliath Roller Coaster Closed?
The Goliath roller coaster features a first hill approximately 200 feet high. It is a high-thrill attraction known for its steep drops and fast turns.
Following the fatal incident, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across six amusement parks in the United States and Canada, according to the Associated Press.
The closures included rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Great Adventure, Carowinds and Canada’s Wonderland.
The company had not publicly explained the specific reason for closing each of those rides or detailed the conditions that would need to be met before they reopened, according to the AP report.
The closures represent a significant development in the aftermath of Kariem’s death, although they should not be interpreted as proof that the other rides had the same problem or that a particular safety defect caused the Georgia incident.
Who Is Investigating the Six Flags Accident?
The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the fatal fall.
Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is also examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators must determine how Kariem was ejected from the coaster and whether any factors involving the restraint system, ride operation or other circumstances contributed to the fatal fall.
At this stage, no definitive cause has been publicly established in the sources reviewed.
It would therefore be premature to conclude that mechanical failure, operator error or a restraint malfunction caused the incident.
The ride’s manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, also said it was investigating the incident, according to the Associated Press.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945, citing case number 26066173.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the man who died at Six Flags Over Georgia?
The victim was Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta resident who worked as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy.
Which roller coaster was involved in the fatal accident?
The incident involved Goliath, a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia.
Did Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem survive cancer?
According to his family, Kariem survived cancer twice. His most recent battle reportedly occurred in 2018.
Is the cause of the Six Flags roller coaster accident known?
No definitive cause had been established in the official information reviewed for this article. Cobb County police and Georgia’s amusement ride safety authority are investigating.
Did Six Flags close other roller coasters after the incident?
Yes. The Associated Press reported that Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across six amusement parks in North America following the fatal incident. The closures do not, by themselves, establish that those rides had the same defect or problem.
Investigation Continues as Family and Students Mourn
The death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem has devastated a school community that remembers him for his commitment to education and the students he mentored.
As investigators work to determine how the fatal fall occurred, his family, colleagues and former students are left mourning a man who had overcome serious health challenges and survived a recent car fire with his daughter.
The investigation’s findings may help clarify what happened aboard the Goliath roller coaster and whether changes to ride safety procedures are necessary.
Until officials release further information, the cause of the accident remains unresolved.
This article is based on official police information, school statements and reporting by established news organizations. It should be updated when authorities release verified new findings.
