“HE WAS A FATHER, A MENTOR, AND A BELOVED TEACHER” — HASSAN JIHAD IBN KARIEM DIES AFTER FALLING FROM SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER WHILE RIDING BESIDE HIS SON

The 42-year-old Atlanta educator was enjoying a day at the amusement park with his son when a devastating incident changed his family’s life forever. Now, loved ones and former students are remembering the man whose impact reached far beyond the classroom.

A family outing turned into an unimaginable tragedy when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator, died after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026.

Kariem was riding the Goliath roller coaster at the amusement park in Austell, Georgia, when the incident occurred. According to preliminary findings released by the Cobb County Police Department, he was ejected from the ride, struck other patrons and fell beneath the attraction.

Responding officers found him unresponsive and not breathing. His death has prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A DAY OUT WITH HIS SON ENDS IN HEARTBREAK

Witnesses told local media that Kariem’s son was sitting beside him when the incident happened. One witness described seeing the man fall from the ride, while other passengers reportedly tried to reach out to help.

The coaster, known as Goliath, reaches approximately 200 feet in height and can travel at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

Authorities have not yet established what caused Kariem to be ejected from the ride. Investigators continue to examine witness accounts and other evidence, and the precise circumstances remain unclear.

His family has been notified, while the tragedy has left fellow visitors and the wider community searching for answers.

REMEMBERED AS A CHERISHED EDUCATOR

Away from the amusement park, Kariem was known for his work at Wesley International Academy, where he served as an IT manager after previously working as a technology teacher.

Atlanta Public Schools paid tribute to him, describing him as a cherished member of the school community whose presence and influence would be deeply missed by students and colleagues.

Former students have also shared emotional memories of the educator who helped inspire their futures. They recalled his warm smile, patience and sense of humor, remembering him as someone who made learning enjoyable.

For many of those he taught, Kariem was more than a teacher. He was a mentor whose encouragement helped shape their ambitions and career choices.

A FAMILY NOW LEFT WITH PAINFUL QUESTIONS

The tragedy is particularly heartbreaking because Kariem was spending time with his son when the incident occurred. Reports from witnesses indicate that the boy was beside his father on the ride, although the family has not publicly shared a full account of the experience.

Six Flags Over Georgia expressed its condolences to Kariem’s loved ones and said the park was cooperating fully with local authorities. The company also said it was providing support to guests and employees affected by the incident.

Following the death, several similar roller coasters at other Six Flags parks were temporarily closed as a precaution while the situation was examined. Officials have not announced a definitive cause for the incident.

THE SEARCH FOR ANSWERS CONTINUES

Kariem’s death has raised urgent questions about the circumstances surrounding the ride and what happened in the moments before he fell. However, investigators have not confirmed whether a restraint malfunction or another factor contributed to the incident.

For now, his family, friends, colleagues and former students are left mourning a man remembered for his dedication to education and the lives he touched.

A day that began as an outing with his son has become a devastating loss that his loved ones must now learn to live with.

As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem will be remembered not simply for the tragic circumstances of his death, but for the father, educator and mentor he was to the people who knew him.

Sources: PEOPLE, October 13, 2026; Cobb County Police Department, October 13, 2026; ABC News, October 13, 2026; Atlanta News First, October 14, 2026.