FATHER DIES IN HORRIFIC SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER INCIDENT AS BELOVED EDUCATOR IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS KINDNESS

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was enjoying a day at Six Flags Over Georgia with his son when a devastating incident claimed his life. Now, former students and colleagues are remembering the educator whose influence reached far beyond the classroom.

A FAMILY OUTING ENDS IN UNIMAGINABLE HEARTBREAK

A day that was supposed to be filled with excitement and family memories has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator who died following an incident on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Kariem was identified by the Cobb County Police Department on Tuesday, October 13, after the incident occurred the previous afternoon at the amusement park in Austell, Georgia.

According to preliminary findings released by authorities, Kariem was ejected from the ride, struck other riders, and fell beneath the attraction. Responding officers found him unresponsive and not breathing. He was pronounced dead following the incident, according to reports.

Investigators have not yet established the full circumstances surrounding what happened.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly among those who knew Kariem as a devoted father and a valued member of Atlanta’s education community.

A DEVOTED EDUCATOR WHO MADE A LASTING DIFFERENCE

Beyond the heartbreaking headlines, those who knew Kariem are remembering a man whose life was defined by his dedication to education and the people around him.

Kariem worked as an IT manager at Wesley International Academy, where he had previously served as a technology teacher and IT specialist. His work brought him into contact with students, teachers, and colleagues whose lives he helped shape over the years.

Atlanta Public Schools expressed its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones, describing him as a cherished member of both the Wesley International Academy and the wider school district community.

The district said his presence and impact would be deeply missed by students, staff, and everyone whose life he touched.

Former students have also begun sharing memories of their teacher, recalling his smile, patience, and the warmth he brought to the classroom.

For them, Kariem was more than an educator. He was someone who made learning enjoyable and helped young people discover interests that could shape their futures.

One former student told Atlanta News First that Kariem was remembered for his kindness, humor, and the way he treated students with patience. Another recalled his enthusiasm for the classroom, including the special excitement surrounding his informal “Fun Fridays.”

Their memories paint a picture of a teacher whose influence continued long after students left his classroom.

A MOMENT THAT WITNESSES SAY THEY WILL NEVER FORGET

Kariem was reportedly riding the Goliath roller coaster with his son when the incident occurred.

Witnesses interviewed by local media described a frightening scene as the ride was in motion. One witness told NBC affiliate WXIA that Kariem’s son was seated beside him when the incident unfolded.

According to witness accounts, other members of the family were not on the ride at the time.

The circumstances have made an already devastating loss even more difficult for those reflecting on the incident. However, the full sequence of events, including why Kariem was ejected from the ride, remains under investigation.

The Goliath is a large steel roller coaster known for its steep drops and high speeds. According to Six Flags Over Georgia, the attraction reaches heights of approximately 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

Authorities have not announced a final determination regarding the cause of the incident or whether any equipment malfunction occurred.

SIX FLAGS RESPONDS AS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

In a statement provided to PEOPLE, a spokesperson for Six Flags Over Georgia said the park was deeply saddened by the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to Kariem’s family, friends, and loved ones.

The company also said its team and local authorities responded immediately and that the park was cooperating fully with investigators.

Police have confirmed that Kariem’s family has been notified. The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Several other people were reported injured in connection with the incident, although authorities had not provided a complete public account of their conditions in the initial reports.

The investigation is expected to help establish what happened on the ride and determine the factors that contributed to the fatal incident.

A LEGACY THAT WILL LIVE ON THROUGH HIS STUDENTS

As investigators work to establish the facts, the community is left to remember the person behind the headlines.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was a father, an educator, and a colleague whose work touched the lives of many people. For former students, memories of his encouragement, humor, and patience now carry a different meaning.

His death is a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary family outing can become a life-changing tragedy.

While questions surrounding the incident remain unanswered, the tributes emerging from Atlanta’s education community reflect the lasting impression Kariem made during his life.

For the family now facing an unimaginable loss, and for the students and colleagues mourning a man they admired, his memory will remain tied not only to the circumstances of his death but also to the years he spent helping others learn and grow.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.