Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem Obituary, Atlanta, GA, Roller Coaster Death: 42-Year-Old Dies After Being Ejected From Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia

October 13, 2026

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta resident, died on Monday, October 12, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, according to information attributed to the Cobb County Police Department. His death has prompted a major investigation, temporary closures of similar rides at other amusement parks and an outpouring of condolences from members of the Atlanta education community.

The Cobb County Police Department identified Kariem on Tuesday, October 13. Investigators said officers working at the amusement park responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. Monday and found him beneath the attraction, unresponsive and not breathing.

Preliminary information gathered through interviews with witnesses and park employees indicated that Kariem was ejected from the roller coaster, struck other patrons and fell beneath the ride. Several other people were reportedly injured, although complete details about their injuries and conditions had not been released in the information provided.

The department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not established why Kariem was ejected, and the cause remains under investigation.

What Happened at Six Flags Over Georgia?

The fatal incident occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia, an amusement park near Atlanta, where Kariem was reportedly riding the Goliath roller coaster.

According to preliminary information cited in the report, Kariem was thrown from the attraction and fell beneath it. Witness accounts and information from park employees are among the material investigators are examining to determine the sequence of events.

After the incident, the ride was stopped and riders were evacuated with assistance from park personnel. The circumstances that led to Kariem being ejected have not been confirmed, and investigators have not announced a final conclusion about what happened.

The reported injuries to other patrons have added to concerns surrounding the incident, although their number and medical conditions were not fully detailed in the available information.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem Remembered Through His School Community

Beyond the tragedy at the amusement park, Kariem’s death has affected the Atlanta education community. He worked at Wesley International Academy, a kindergarten-through-eighth-grade charter school.

Atlanta Public Schools expressed condolences to Kariem’s family, friends and colleagues, recognising his connection to the school community.

His reported death has brought sadness to people who knew him through his work and personal relationships. While the available information provides limited details about his life outside his professional connection to the school, the tributes reflect the impact his loss has had on those mourning him.

For his loved ones and colleagues, the focus remains on remembering Kariem while awaiting further confirmed information about the circumstances of his death.

Similar Roller Coasters Temporarily Closed for Safety Reviews

Following the incident, Six Flags reportedly temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across six parks in the United States and Canada as a precaution.

The company said it was cooperating with authorities investigating the fatal incident and expressed condolences to Kariem’s loved ones. The temporary closures were intended to allow additional safety reviews while officials work to establish what happened.

The precautionary measures have drawn renewed public attention to amusement park ride safety. However, the available information does not establish that a specific ride defect or safety failure caused Kariem’s ejection.

Investigators will need to determine the circumstances of the incident before any conclusions can be reached about its cause or whether changes to ride operations are necessary.

Cobb County Police Continue Investigation Into Fatal Roller Coaster Incident

The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is examining witness accounts and other evidence to determine the sequence of events that led to Kariem’s death.

Authorities have not announced a final determination about why he was ejected from Goliath. The investigation remains ongoing, and further findings may clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

Funeral arrangements had not been confirmed in the information provided for this report.

Remembering Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, is being remembered by loved ones and members of the Atlanta education community following his reported death at Six Flags Over Georgia.

His passing has raised urgent questions about the circumstances of the roller coaster incident, while those who knew him are left to grieve and remember the personal connections they shared with him.

As the investigation continues, condolences go to Kariem’s family, friends, colleagues at Wesley International Academy and everyone affected by the tragedy. May they find strength in one another and comfort in their memories of him.