“A FAMILY BIRTHDAY OUTING ENDED IN TR@GEDY” — REMEMBERING HASSAN JIHAD IBN KARIEM, THE BELOVED EDUCATOR WHO D!ED AT SIX FLAGS
“A FAMILY BIRTHDAY OUTING ENDED IN TRAGEDY” — REMEMBERING HASSAN JIHAD IBN KARIEM, THE BELOVED EDUCATOR WHO DIED AT SIX FLAGS
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was celebrating his niece’s 13th birthday when he fell from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. As his family mourns, loved ones are asking people not to share distressing footage of the incident.
What was meant to be a joyful family celebration became a day of unimaginable heartbreak.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator from Atlanta, died on October 12, 2026, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
He had visited the amusement park with family members to celebrate his niece Navi’s 13th birthday. According to relatives, Navi was seated beside her uncle when the incident unfolded.
A day meant for making happy memories
Hassan was known to his loved ones as a devoted family man whose life extended far beyond his professional achievements.
His niece had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday, and the family outing was intended to be a special occasion shared with the people she loved.
According to an account later shared by Navi’s father, Joshua Nelson, the teenager said Hassan appeared to lose consciousness before falling from the ride. She also believed the restraint may have come loose.
These details have not been established as the definitive cause of the incident. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding Hassan’s fall, including what happened during the ride.
A teacher who made a lasting difference
Hassan worked at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, where he began his career as a technology teacher before becoming an information technology manager.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, former students and members of the wider school community.
Atlanta Public Schools described him as a cherished member of its educational community whose presence and impact would be deeply missed.
For some of his former students, Hassan was more than a teacher. He helped spark their interest in technology and inspired them to consider careers of their own. Former pupils recalled his enthusiasm, the welcoming atmosphere in his classroom and his memorable tradition of “Fun Fridays.”
His family asks people to respect their grief
As the family struggles to process the loss, relatives have asked the public to stop circulating videos and images showing the incident.
For those who loved Hassan, seeing distressing footage shared online only adds to the pain of losing him.
Their request is a reminder that behind every widely shared news story are real people trying to cope with a devastating loss. Hassan was a father, uncle, partner, educator and friend — not simply the subject of a viral headline.
His family deserves the space to grieve without repeatedly encountering graphic images of his final moments.
Questions remain about the roller coaster
The Cobb County Police Department and Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are investigating the incident.
Authorities have not yet established what caused Hassan to be ejected from the ride. Six Flags has said it is cooperating with investigators, and the Goliath roller coaster remains closed while the investigation continues.
Several similar roller coasters at other parks were also temporarily closed as a precaution following the tragedy. The closures have renewed public discussion about amusement-park safety, restraint systems and the oversight of high-speed attractions.
Remembering the man behind the headlines
Although the investigation continues, Hassan’s loved ones are also focused on remembering the life he lived and the people he influenced.
His work in education helped students discover new interests and imagine future careers. His family remembers a man whose presence mattered deeply to those around him.
The birthday outing was supposed to create another happy family memory. Instead, it left loved ones facing a loss they could never have anticipated.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem will be remembered not for the tragedy that took his life, but for the family he loved, the students he inspired and the lives he touched.
May his family find strength and comfort in the memories they shared.
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