Six Flags Victim Who Fell to His Death From Goliath Coaster Identified as Atlanta Father of 2

A man who fell to his death from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has been identified.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father of two from Atlanta and a local educator, was on the ride Monday, October 12, when he was ejected from a cart, the Cobb County Police Department said in a press release shared with The U.S. Sun.

Speaking with NBC affiliate WXIA-TV, Kariem’s family remembered him as someone with a passion for teaching who loved his job and his city.

In a statement following his death, the Atlanta Public Schools district reflected on the lives Kariem impacted during his time at Wesley International Academy.

“Atlanta Public Schools extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Kariem. 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. Our thoughts are with everyone mourning his loss during this difficult time,” the district said in a statement, per WXIA-TV.

Witnesses also spoke to the outlet following the incident, claiming that Kariem was riding with a family member on the coaster when he fell.

“His son was sitting right beside him. His wife and daughter were not on the ride, they were at the bottom and had no idea. His son watched it all,” a woman who was on the ride told WXIA-TV.

Kariem struck several other riders as he fell to his death, injuring them on the way down, just after the part of the coaster that snaps a souvenir photo for riders.

“He was in our pictures,” another witness told the outlet. “He fell and hit the car three different times.”

While it remains unclear exactly what caused Kariem to be ejected from the ride, WXIA-TV noted that the Cobb County Police Department and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are investigating the incident.

Six Flags has since closed the ride and temporarily closed similar attractions across its parks out of an abundance of caution. The move comes after a handful of parkgoers suffered severe injuries and even brain trauma at the park’s Valencia, California, location.

In a statement shared across media outlets, including WXIA-TV, following the incident, Six Flags said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

“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 read.

“The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation,” the statement continued. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.”