Story perspectives

Six Flags Closes Goliath After Fatal Rider Ejection

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 10:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Six Flags Over Georgia shut the Goliath coaster after a rider was ejected and died.
The victim was 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, an Atlanta IT manager.
State safety officials began a comprehensive review while Six Flags closed nine similar coasters at six parks.
The accident injured several other riders.
Six Flags' stock fell to $10.23, a 14% decline.

History

Historical Context

On 2 June 2015 a fully loaded train on Alton Towers’ Smiler collided with a stalled test train, injuring five riders and causing two leg amputations. The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted Merlin Entertainments, issuing a £5 million fine and prompting a sector-wide review of block-system overrides. The incident built on earlier 2013 guide-wheel injuries and reflects a pattern where serious coaster failures drive stricter UK safety legislation.

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Story summary

Six Flags Over Georgia shut the Goliath coaster after a rider was ejected and died.
The victim was 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, an Atlanta IT manager.
State safety officials began a comprehensive review while Six Flags closed nine similar coasters at six parks.
The accident injured several other riders.
Six Flags' stock fell to $10.23, a 14% decline.

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