What to Know
Riders on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia will never forget October 12, 2026. Atlanta Public Schools employee Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after the coaster ejected him, causing him to hit several other riders before ultimately plummeting down.
Multiple other riders had injuries, and Six Flags closed Goliath and eight other roller coasters across the country following the fatal accident. The company wants to take every precaution necessary so that a fatal accident like Kariem’s will never happen again.
Witnesses shared chilling memories of Kariem’s death.
Nick Mendenhall told the Associated Press he’d just ridden Goliath with his son and was watching the coaster when the accident occurred. Mendenhall said Kariem fell headfirst back in the coaster and was ejected on the final turn.
“It felt like slow-motion, but it happened in an instant,” Mendenhall said. “I was just praying in those moments. I was praying: ‘God, please let him stay in that car.’”
The coaster ejected Kariem moments later.
“It looked like he was hovering because the car was moving underneath him,” he added.
Another rider recalled feeling unsafe riding Goliath.
Witness Summer Bates told AP she and her family rode the coaster earlier in the day and pushed on their safety harnesses to make sure they were tight.
“My older two children rode on the cart ahead of us,” she said. “I noticed they kept trying to push theirs down tighter. I assured them that they were OK. But once my husband, youngest child and I loaded our cart and headed up the incline, I quickly understood why my older two were messing with theirs. It just didn’t feel secure and tight.”
Bates watched from the ground as Kariem’s body was ejected from Goliath. She said she would never forget the sound of Kariem’s body hitting the coaster as he fell.
Six Flags issued a statement following Kariem’s death.
In a statement obtained by WXIA, Six Flags Entertainment Corp. shared sympathy for Kariem’s family.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected,” the statement reads.
“The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time,” Six Flags added.
Per AP, Six Flags closed Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California; Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois; Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey; Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina; and Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario.
Kariem will be missed by his family and school community.
NBC News reported Kariem worked for Atlanta Public Schools at Wesley International Academy. His role at the school remains unclear.
“We know this news is heartbreaking and difficult to process. Mr. Kariem was a valued member of our Wesley family, and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our school community,” a letter obtained by NBC News reads. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all those whose lives he touched.”
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