“THIS IS MY FAVORITE RIDE, I’M SO EXCITED TO BE HERE” — DAD’S FINAL WORDS BEFORE FATAL SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER INCIDENT

He was celebrating his niece’s 13th birthday with the people he loved. Moments later, his family was facing a tragedy that has left them searching for answers.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator from Atlanta, Georgia, died on October 12, 2026, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

He had gone to the amusement park with family members to celebrate his niece Navi’s birthday. What should have been a joyful day together instead became a devastating experience that his loved ones will never forget.

Now, his family is remembering the man behind the headlines while asking a painful question: could this tragedy have been prevented?

His final words were filled with excitement

According to his brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, Hassan was looking forward to riding Goliath, one of his favourite attractions.

Before boarding, he reportedly told his niece: “This is my favorite ride, I’m so excited to be here.”

Those words have become especially heartbreaking for his family as they try to process what happened next.

Navi was seated beside her uncle when the incident occurred. Nelson later shared her account of the terrifying moments, explaining that she believed Hassan had passed out before his restraint appeared to come loose.

That account has not yet been confirmed as the official cause of the incident. Investigators are still working to establish exactly what happened.

A birthday celebration turned into tragedy

The incident occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m. on October 12.

According to the Cobb County Police Department, preliminary information from witness and employee interviews indicated that Hassan was ejected from the ride, struck other patrons and fell beneath the attraction.

Emergency personnel responded, but Hassan sustained fatal injuries.

Police also confirmed that four young people were injured in the incident. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

For Hassan’s family, the fact that his niece witnessed the tragedy has added another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating loss.

A devoted father and educator

Hassan was more than the man involved in a roller coaster tragedy. He was a husband, father and dedicated member of Atlanta’s education community.

He worked at Wesley International Academy for more than 12 years, serving as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach.

Atlanta Public Schools described him as a cherished member of the school community whose presence and impact would be deeply missed by students and colleagues.

His family remembered his love of children, technology and the city of Atlanta. He had helped young people learn, grow and explore their interests, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.

His death has left colleagues, friends and loved ones mourning a man whose life extended far beyond his final moments.

Could the tragedy have been prevented?

Nelson has openly questioned whether anything could have been done to prevent Hassan’s death.

“A large part of me does believe, you know, it was a freak accident,” he said in an interview. “But the other part of me questions … could this have been prevented?”

It is a question investigators are now working to answer.

Georgia officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, while Six Flags has said it is cooperating fully with authorities.

Officials reported that Goliath’s most recent inspection, conducted in March 2026, found no violations or deficiencies. However, that inspection alone does not establish what happened on October 12.

The ride remained closed following the incident as the investigation continued. Other roller coasters with similar restraint systems were also temporarily closed at several parks while safety concerns were examined.

No final cause has been announced.

A family left with painful memories

For Hassan’s loved ones, the day will always be remembered as the birthday celebration that ended in tragedy.

His niece went to the park expecting to share a special experience with her uncle. Instead, she witnessed an event that has changed her family forever.

Nelson said he hopes Hassan’s final memory was the excitement he felt before the ride began.

It is a small hope in the middle of an enormous loss — one that reflects how deeply the family wants to hold on to the happiness of that day, rather than only its ending.

Hassan Kariem was a father, an educator and a beloved family member. His loved ones are now grieving while waiting for answers about what happened on Goliath.

May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength in the difficult days ahead.