HE SURVIVED CANCER TWICE — THEN A TRAGEDY AT SIX FLAGS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF HASSAN JIHAD IBN KARIEM, 42

The Atlanta educator was remembered as a cherished member of his school community. Now, as investigators work to establish what happened on the Goliath roller coaster, his family is asking the public for compassion, privacy and respect.

The death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator from Atlanta, Georgia, has left loved ones and colleagues mourning a man whose work touched the lives of students and families.

Hassan died on October 12, 2026, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The incident prompted an investigation by local authorities and renewed questions about the circumstances surrounding the ride.

But for those who knew him, Hassan was far more than the name in a heartbreaking headline. He was a dedicated educator whose influence extended well beyond the classroom.

A DEDICATED EDUCATOR WHO LEFT A LASTING MARK

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

His work helped students explore technology and develop new skills, while his commitment to the school community earned him the respect of colleagues.

Atlanta Public Schools described him as a “cherished member” of the Wesley International Academy and APS families, saying his presence and impact would be deeply missed by students, staff and everyone whose lives he touched.

Wesley International Academy also expressed devastation at his passing, remembering him as a beloved colleague, friend and an integral part of the school family.

The tributes reflected the loss felt by a community that had come to value his dedication and the time he gave to helping young people learn.

WHAT HAPPENED ON THE GOLIATH ROLLER COASTER?

The incident occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia, near Atlanta, while Hassan was riding the towering Goliath attraction.

According to preliminary information released by Cobb County police, he was ejected from the ride and struck other parkgoers before falling beneath the attraction. Several other people were reportedly injured.

Witnesses described a deeply distressing scene. Some accounts raised questions about the ride’s restraint system, but investigators had not publicly established what caused Hassan to leave his seat.

The Goliath was temporarily closed as authorities worked to determine the circumstances. Six Flags said its team responded immediately and was cooperating with the investigation.

As of the latest reports cited here, no definitive public finding had established the cause of the incident. Questions about the restraint system, ride operation and any other contributing factors remain matters for investigators.

HIS FAMILY ASKS THE PUBLIC TO RESPECT THEIR GRIEF

In the days following Hassan’s passing, his relatives issued an important message to the public.

They thanked people for the outpouring of love, prayers and support, but made clear that they had not authorized any crowdfunding campaigns or donation requests in his name.

The family asked the public not to contribute to fundraising appeals claiming to represent them. They explained that if Hassan’s mother decided to establish a scholarship or memorial fund in his honor, details would be announced through an official representative.

They also appealed to media outlets and content creators to respect their privacy as they grieve.

One particularly important request was for people to stop viewing or sharing footage of Hassan’s final moments. For a family facing an unimaginable loss, the circulation of distressing images can add another layer of pain to an already difficult time.

Their message was a reminder that behind every widely shared news story are real people trying to mourn someone they loved.

A LIFE THAT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED BEYOND THE TRAGEDY

Hassan’s death has raised serious questions that deserve careful investigation. Yet his colleagues’ tributes also remind the public that his life cannot be reduced to the circumstances of his passing.

He spent years working with students, teaching technology and supporting a school community. Those contributions, and the memories held by the people who knew him, remain an important part of his story.

For now, the investigation continues, and his loved ones have asked for privacy rather than speculation.

As condolences continue to reach the Atlanta community, one message stands above the headlines: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was a person whose life mattered to others, and his family deserves the space to grieve with dignity.

May his loved ones find strength and comfort in the days ahead. 🕊️