Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died on October 12, 2026, after falling from Goliath, a 200-foot-tall roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The former technology teacher and robotics coach was riding the coaster with his son. During the ride, he slipped out from under his lap restraint and struck multiple coaster cars. He landed on the roof of a haunted house as his wife and daughter watched in horror from below.
Before the tragedy, Kariem had survived two separate bouts of cancer, a severe case of COVID-19, and a fiery car accident just three weeks earlier.
The Incident
Goliath is a 200-foot-tall roller coaster that opened in 2006 and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph. It is considered the tallest roller coaster in Georgia. Following the tragedy, Six Flags reportedly shut down nine of its large roller coasters across North America as a precautionary measure.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m. As the coaster navigated its final sharp turn before the brake run, Kariem was ejected from his seat.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene. As Kariem was thrown into the air, the coaster train continued moving beneath him. He reportedly struck the moving coaster cars and track three times before colliding with other passengers. Four other riders sustained injuries during the incident.
When officers arrived, they found Kariem unresponsive and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kariem’s Life and Legacy
Atlanta Public Schools released a statement mourning Kariem’s death, describing him as a “cherished member” of the school community. The district added that students and staff would deeply miss him.
Kariem’s remarkable history of surviving serious illnesses and a recent car accident reflected his resilience.
Authorities are investigating the incident. Inspectors from the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, the state agency responsible for regulating amusement park ride safety, are examining the ride equipment.
