From NBC Bay Area · · 1m 40s
Goliath ride death at Six Flags
Witnesses describe man flying out of roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
In brief
Witnesses describe man flying out of roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. A 42-year-old Atlanta educator died after being ejected from Six Flags Over Georgia's Goliath roller coaster, causing nationwide roller coaster closures. Originally reported by NBC Bay Area.
Victim identified
A 42-year-old Atlanta educator died after being ejected from Six Flags Over Georgia's Goliath roller coaster.
“The victim was identified Tuesday as 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, of Atlanta, according to a statement from the Cobb County Police Department.”
Roller coaster incident
Witnesses described a man flying out of the roller coaster and hitting the cart multiple times before falling beneath the attraction.
“The man started levitating in the air sideways, came back [and hit the cart.] The cart went back up in the air, flipped, came down [he] hit the cart, went back up in the air came down, hit the cart again and then the ride stopped.”
Educator background
Kariem was an IT manager at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school for kindergarten through eighth grade.
“Atlanta Public Schools confirmed Kariem was an employee of Wesley International Academy, a public charter school for kindergarten through eighth grade.”
Witness accounts
Witnesses described seeing Kariem fly out of his seat three times before hitting the cart and falling beneath the attraction.
“The man started levitating in the air sideways, came back [and hit the cart.] The cart went back up in the air, flipped, came down [he] hit the cart, went back up in the air came down, hit the cart again and then the ride stopped.”
Roller coaster closures
Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six amusement parks nationwide due to safety concerns.
“Six Flags Entertainment Corp. temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six amusement parks 'out of an abundance of caution,' according to a company spokesperson.”
Safety concerns
Georgia's Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is investigating the incident to determine the circumstances and ensure compliance with safety policies.
“Our investigative team is conducting an in‑depth and comprehensive review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures.”
Roller coaster details
Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches a top speed of 70 mph with a height of 200 feet.
“Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches a top speed of 70 mph with a height of 200 feet, according to the park’s website.”
Recent safety issues
The death is at least the seventh at the Georgia park since 1989, including two people who were in restricted areas and struck by roller coasters.
“The death is at least the seventh at the Georgia park since 1989, including two people who were in restricted areas and struck by roller coasters, according to the Doan Law Firm.”
Previous incidents
In 2006, a man died after likely having a heart attack on the Goliath coaster, and last year a 32-year-old man died from blunt impact injuries.
“In 2006, a man died after likely having a heart attack on the Goliath coaster, the law firm said.”
What happens next
Six Flags is providing support to guests and staff impacted by the incident and cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today, and the company is providing support to guests and staff who were impacted.”
The essence
A 42-year-old Atlanta educator died after being ejected from Six Flags Over Georgia's Goliath roller coaster, causing nationwide roller coaster closures.
