“GENUINELY HORRIFYING” — WIFE WAITED NEAR ROLLER COASTER AS HUSBAND’S FAMILY OUTING TURNED INTO TRAGEDY

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. As his family struggles to understand what happened, investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the devastating incident.

A day intended to celebrate a family birthday ended in tragedy on October 12, 2026, when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem lost his life during a ride on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The 42-year-old Atlanta educator was at the amusement park with relatives to celebrate his niece’s birthday. The roller coaster reaches heights of approximately 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 mph.

According to the Cobb County Police Department, officers responded at around 3:58 p.m. and found Kariem beneath the attraction, unresponsive and not breathing. Preliminary information from witness and employee interviews indicated that he had been ejected from the ride and struck other guests before falling beneath it.

A FAMILY LEFT WITH PAINFUL QUESTIONS

Relatives have shared accounts of the terrifying moments surrounding the incident. Kariem’s niece, who was seated beside him, reportedly told family members that he appeared to lose consciousness before he was ejected from the ride.

That account has led to painful questions about what happened during the ride. However, investigators have not confirmed that Kariem fainted or established whether a restraint malfunction contributed to his death.

His wife and other family members were also at the park that day. The sudden loss has left loved ones trying to process a tragedy that unfolded during what was supposed to be a joyful family occasion.

FOUR CHILDREN WERE REPORTEDLY INJURED

The incident also affected other visitors. Authorities said Kariem struck other riders as he fell, and four minors were reportedly injured and taken for medical care.

The experience has raised difficult questions for the families involved, as well as for the wider amusement park community. Officials have urged people to allow the investigation to proceed rather than draw conclusions before the evidence has been reviewed.

INVESTIGATORS EXAMINE THE RIDE

The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Georgia safety regulators are investigating the circumstances surrounding Kariem’s death.

The Goliath coaster remained closed following the incident. Six Flags also temporarily closed several similar attractions at other parks while precautionary safety inspections were carried out.

Officials have said the investigation includes a review of evidence, equipment and relevant records. Although the ride had passed an inspection earlier in 2026, that fact alone does not determine what happened on October 12. No final conclusion about the cause of the incident has been announced.

REMEMBERING THE MAN BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach. His school community remembered him as a valued colleague whose work made a difference in students’ lives.

For his loved ones, he was a husband, father and family member whose absence cannot be measured by headlines or investigation updates.

As they grieve, they are also waiting for answers about how such a devastating incident could occur.

May Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem be remembered for the life he lived, the students he helped and the family who loved him.