“HE WAS A BELOVED TEACHER AND FATHER”: FAMILY MOURNS HASSAN KARIEM AFTER FATAL ROLLER COASTER INCIDENT

ThanhThuy
October 23, 2026

“HE WAS A BELOVED TEACHER AND FATHER”: FAMILY MOURNS HASSAN KARIEM AFTER FATAL ROLLER COASTER INCIDENT

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was celebrating his niece’s birthday with family when he was thrown from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. As loved ones mourn his loss, investigators continue working to establish exactly what happened.

A family birthday outing turned into an unimaginable tragedy when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta school employee, died after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The incident happened on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the amusement park in the Atlanta area of Georgia.

Hassan had been spending the day with several relatives to celebrate his niece’s birthday. But the visit took a devastating turn when he was thrown from the Goliath roller coaster, according to preliminary information released by police.

Authorities said he struck other riders before falling beneath the attraction. Several people were also injured, including four young passengers who were taken to hospital with injuries reported as non-life-threatening.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, with police and state safety officials examining what led to the fatal fall.

A FAMILY CELEBRATION ENDED IN TRAGEDY

Hassan was at the park with family members for his niece’s birthday celebration. According to a relative who spoke to ABC News, he was seated beside his niece on the Goliath roller coaster when the incident occurred.

The ride reaches heights of around 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, making it one of the park’s major attractions.

Witnesses described seeing Hassan leave his seat as the coaster was moving. Police said preliminary information gathered from interviews with witnesses and employees indicated that he was ejected from the ride before striking other visitors and falling below the attraction.

Officers responded shortly before 4 p.m. and found him unresponsive beneath the ride. He could not be saved.

For his family, a day intended to create happy birthday memories became a moment of profound loss.

REMEMBERED AS A DEDICATED EDUCATOR

Away from the amusement park, Hassan was known as a valued member of the Atlanta school community.

He worked at Wesley International Academy, where he served as an information technology manager, technology teacher and robotics coach. He had reportedly worked at the school for more than 12 years.

His work brought together technology, education and hands-on learning, helping students develop their skills and explore new interests.

Atlanta Public Schools expressed condolences to Hassan’s family and loved ones, describing him as a cherished member of the school community.

The loss has been felt beyond his immediate family, touching colleagues and others who knew him through his work in education.

Hassan was more than the victim of a tragic amusement-park incident. He was a family member, an educator and someone whose life was connected to the students and colleagues he supported.

QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED ON THE RIDE

In the days following the incident, accounts from Hassan’s relatives raised questions about the ride’s restraint system.

According to reporting by The Guardian, Hassan’s niece reportedly said he appeared to pass out during the ride before his restraint seemed to come loose. His family has questioned whether the incident could have been prevented.

Those accounts have not, by themselves, established what caused the fall.

Investigators are examining the circumstances, including the ride’s operation and safety systems. Officials have not announced a final finding identifying a mechanical failure, restraint malfunction or other cause.

The distinction is important: while witness accounts and family concerns are part of the public discussion, the precise sequence of events must be established through the investigation.

SAFETY INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is investigating the incident alongside Cobb County police.

Records cited in subsequent reporting indicated that Goliath underwent its latest annual state inspection on March 16, 2026, with no violations or safety deficiencies recorded in that inspection. Investigators must still determine whether any issue contributed to the October incident.

Following Hassan’s death, Six Flags temporarily closed Goliath and several similar roller coasters at other parks as a precaution. The company said it was cooperating with authorities and expressed condolences to Hassan’s family, friends and everyone affected.

Six Flags Over Georgia reopened on October 16, while Goliath remained closed as the investigation continued. Officials had not announced a reopening date for the ride in the reports available at that time.

The fact that a ride passed an earlier inspection does not, on its own, settle what happened months later. Investigators will need to examine the available evidence before drawing conclusions about the cause.

A LOSS THAT REACHES FAR BEYOND THE AMUSEMENT PARK

Hassan’s death has prompted wider questions about amusement-park safety and the safeguards designed to protect riders.

For his family, however, the most immediate reality is the loss of a loved one during what should have been a joyful day together.

The investigation may eventually provide answers about the ride and the events leading up to the fall. Until then, speculation cannot replace verified findings.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was 42 years old. He was remembered by his school community as a valued educator, while his family is left grieving a man who had joined them for a birthday celebration that ended in tragedy.

As investigators continue their work, his loved ones face the painful task of mourning Hassan while waiting for answers about what happened that afternoon.

This article is based on reporting available after the October 12, 2026 incident. The cause of the fall had not been conclusively established in the cited reports.