Entertainment · October 12, 2026
Rider falls to their death from roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia
A 42-year-old man, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, died on Monday after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Authorities report that Kariem was ejected from the 200-foot-tall 'hyper-coaster' mid-ride, striking other patrons before landing on a building within the park. Four juveniles sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. In response, Six Flags has temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across North America as a precaution while local police and state safety officials conduct a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the ejection.
Read the original coverage
- CBS NewsMainstream
Rider falls to their death from roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia
Read at CBS News ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Six Flags’ Goliath coaster restraints were ‘clicking weird’ before Hassan Kariem’s death: riders
Read at New York Post ↗ - ABC NewsMainstream
Six Flags Over Georgia to reopen as planned Friday as Goliath coaster remains closed after fatal fall
Read at ABC News ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
- The incident occurred on Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Goliath is a 200-foot-tall roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.
- Kariem was 42 years old and worked for Atlanta Public Schools.
- Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters at other parks out of an abundance of caution.
- Four other individuals (identified as juveniles) were injured in the incident.
Reported by only some outlets
- Witnesses reported hearing a 'weird clicking' sound from the restraints before the ride started.
- Staff reportedly checked the restraints multiple times before the disaster.
- Kariem was a cancer survivor and had recently survived a car fire.
- Passengers were reportedly stranded on the ride for over an hour after it was stopped.
- Kariem landed on the roof of a 'haunted house' attraction.
- The victim was a member of a roller coaster enthusiasts Facebook group.
Confirmed
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the Goliath ride on Oct 12, 2026.
- Cobb County Police and the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are investigating.
- Six Flags closed nine similar coasters in the US and Canada as a precaution.
- Four juveniles were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Reported
- Witnesses heard a 'weird clicking' sound and saw staff check restraints multiple times. (New York Post)
- The victim struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction. (ABC News)
- Passengers were stranded on the ride for more than an hour after the incident. (New York Post)
Rumor
- The victim 'started levitating in the air sideways' before falling. (An unnamed witness quoted by WXIA/New York Post)
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