Police identified Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta, as the man who died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday. Kariem was an information technology manager at Wesley International Academy, an Atlanta charter school, and had worked there for more than 12 years.
Witnesses and family members reported that Kariem was at the park with family when the incident occurred Monday afternoon. According to witness accounts, Kariem was ejected from his seat and struck the ride vehicle multiple times as well as other passengers before falling onto the roof of a haunted house attraction below.
State investigators from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, the Cobb County Police Department, and the ride's manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, are investigating the cause of the fall. As of Tuesday, it was not yet determined if the incident was caused by mechanical failure, operator error, or other factors. Up to three other people were reportedly injured when Kariem struck them during his fall, though their conditions have not been disclosed.
For the public, this means a concrete change in available attractions at major theme parks during the investigation. Visitors to these locations will notice these specific rides are unavailable for an indefinite period. The investigation will determine the cause of the fall and whether safety protocols or mechanical changes are required. The incident also directly impacts the Wesley International Academy community, where Kariem served as a technology teacher and robotics coach.
What happens next depends on the findings of the state and police investigative reports. Matthew Miller, a theme park safety expert, stated that the current closures are intended to allow for a review of those findings before the rides are cleared to reopen. No specific date for the completion of the investigation or the reopening of the rides has been reported. Six Flags and Bolliger & Mabillard have stated they are cooperating fully with authorities.