Atlanta Man Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem Dies Following Fall from Six Flags Roller Coaster
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta man, died Monday afternoon after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Authorities report four others were injured, and Six Flags has paused operations on nine similar coasters across North America.
Cobb County police officers dispatched to the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park at approximately 3:58 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, initiated an active investigation into a fatal incident on the Goliath roller coaster, according to reporting by theGrio. Law enforcement officials identified the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old resident of Atlanta. First responders located him unresponsive beneath the elevated ride structure, where he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival, as reported by CNN.
Preliminary information gathered by police investigators through initial interviews with park employees and eyewitnesses indicates that Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the roller coaster train while it was in motion. As he was thrown from the attraction, he reportedly struck several other park patrons before falling to the ground beneath the ride. Cobb County police officers have not yet publicly stated what specific factors, movements, or mechanical issues caused him to be dislodged from the vehicle.
Witnesses present at the theme park recounted the moments immediately following the event to news outlets. Riders who were aboard the Goliath coaster described returning to the station loading platform in a state of shock and confusion. Observers noted that one seat on the ride train returned empty with its safety restraint appearing loose. Multiple park visitors also told reporters that Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem appeared to have been riding the attraction alongside his son, while his wife and daughter were standing on the ground nearby watching the ride.
News reports emphasized that these details reflect initial eyewitness accounts gathered at the scene and have not been presented as official findings regarding the cause of the tragedy. The event also resulted in injuries to four other individuals at the park, according to reporting by theGrio. Public safety authorities have not publicly disclosed detailed medical information regarding the nature or severity of the injuries sustained by those four people. Following the tragic incident, Six Flags released a statement confirming that the organization is fully cooperating with local law enforcement agencies conducting the inquiry while offering support to persons impacted by the event.
As a precautionary measure, the theme park operator temporarily suspended operations on nine comparable roller coasters situated across six of its properties located in the United States and Canada. Investigators with the Cobb County Police Department continue to review witness statements and evidence from the scene to determine the precise sequence of events. Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed further details beyond official statements and initial news reports.