A Georgia father who fell to his death from a towering roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has been identified as a beloved Atlanta educator, as witnesses reveal horrifying details about the accident that unfolded during a family outing.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died Monday, October 12, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at the amusement park in Austell, just outside Atlanta.
Kariem had been visiting the park with his wife and children when the family’s day of fun turned into a tragedy.
According to witness accounts, Kariem was riding the massive coaster with his son while his wife and daughter remained on the ground.
The Goliath ride stands approximately 200 feet tall and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph, making it one of the park’s most popular attractions.
Witnesses described seeing Kariem suddenly come out of his seat as the roller coaster traveled along its track. Several said he struck parts of the ride or other passengers before falling to the ground below.
One witness told local television station WXIA that the horrifying incident was captured in the souvenir photographs automatically taken during the ride.
“He’s in our Goliath pictures,” the stunned parkgoer said, explaining that the images had captured the moments surrounding the accident.
Other riders described hearing a disturbing sound before realizing someone had fallen from the coaster.
Cobb County police said officers responded around 3:58 p.m. and discovered Kariem underneath the attraction, unresponsive and not breathing.
Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, but he was pronounced dead. Several other visitors were also injured during the incident, according to authorities.
Investigators have not determined how Kariem became separated from his seat or whether a mechanical issue, restraint failure, or another factor contributed to the accident.
The tragedy has devastated Kariem’s family and the Atlanta school community, where he was known as a dedicated educator who worked closely with children.
Kariem served as an information technology manager, technology teacher, and robotics instructor at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school in Atlanta.
Atlanta Public Schools released a statement remembering his contributions to students and colleagues.
“He was a cherished member of the Wesley International Academy and APS families whose presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched,” the district said.
Friends also remembered Kariem as a devoted father and husband who had overcome serious personal challenges, including cancer and a frightening vehicle fire involving his daughter.
He was also an enthusiastic fan of roller coasters, making the circumstances of his death especially heartbreaking.
Following the accident, Six Flags immediately closed Goliath and began cooperating with local police and safety investigators.
The company also temporarily shut down eight similar roller coasters at other properties across North America as a precaution while officials examine what happened.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” Six Flags said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
The park added that it was providing support to employees and guests affected by the tragedy.
Cobb County Police’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation, which includes reviewing witness statements, ride operations, and the circumstances surrounding Kariem’s fall.
The incident has also raised new questions about amusement park safety, particularly the effectiveness of restraint systems on high-speed roller coasters.
While serious roller coaster accidents remain statistically rare, experts emphasize that safety restraints, routine inspections, and proper operating procedures are essential to protecting passengers.
For Kariem’s grieving family, however, the investigation is about far more than amusement park safety.
A husband, father, and respected teacher who spent his life helping others is gone after what was supposed to be a memorable day with his loved ones.