A 42-year-old teacher died on Monday, October 12, 2026, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The victim, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was visiting the park near Atlanta for a birthday celebration with his wife, daughter, and niece when the incident occurred.
The Goliath roller coaster, which reaches heights of 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 mph, was the site of the fall. According to witness reports and statements from Kariem's brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, Kariem struck parts of the ride multiple times before landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house. Several other patrons were also injured during the event.
Nelson told local news outlet Atlanta News First that his daughter, who was riding with Kariem, observed him appearing to faint. Nelson stated that Kariem’s body moved up and down as the ride progressed until a latch reportedly came undone, leading to his ejection. Witness accounts provided to NBC News and 11Alive stated that the victim was struck by the ride vehicle multiple times after being thrown.
The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit confirmed on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, that an investigation into the death is active and ongoing. Six Flags Over Georgia issued a statement expressing condolences and confirmed they are cooperating with local authorities. While the park has since reopened, the incident has led other theme parks across the United States to suspend operations on certain roller coasters for safety reviews.
For the average park-goer, this may result in a change in ride availability and potentially longer wait times for operational attractions as safety audits proceed. While the specific number of affected parks was not reported, the suspension of high-speed attractions involves operational costs for park owners and alters the experience for tourists who pay for access to these specific rides. The incident involves coordination between park operators and local law enforcement, such as the Cobb County Police Department, during investigations into reported restraint failures.
What happens next depends on the findings of the Major Crimes Unit's active investigation. Investigators are reviewing witness and employee interviews to determine the cause of the incident. No specific date for the release of an investigative report has been provided, and the park has not announced further changes to its operating schedule beyond the initial reopening. Legal or regulatory actions regarding ride safety standards may follow the conclusion of the police inquiry.