Full Breakdown
Fatal Ejection on Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath Roller Coaster
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Monday afternoon, 42-year-old Atlanta educator Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the Goliath hyper-coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell. Police found his body beneath the ride shortly before 4 p.m.; he was pronounced unresponsive. Witnesses said he struck other riders several times before falling. Four other guests were reported injured.
Background & Context
Goliath, a 200-ft coaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in 2006 and reaches 70 mph. Six Flags Over Georgia has recorded seven fatalities since 1989, including a 2006 rider death. The chain recently settled lawsuits over alleged brain injuries on its X2 coaster at Magic Mountain, which has since closed.
Data & Statistics
- Height: 200 ft (?60 m)
- Top speed: 70 mph (?112 km/h)
- Ride duration: ~3½ minutes
- Injuries: four guests taken to hospital (local TV)
- Fatalities at the park since 1989: at least seven (Doan Law Firm)
Official Statements & Responses
- Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner announced an “in-depth review” and offered thoughts and prayers.
- Six Flags expressed deep sadness, condolences to Kariem’s family, and said it is supporting guests and staff.
- Park president Richard Pretlow said there is no anticipated reopening date for Goliath.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witness Logan Conner, riding with his fiancée, said he saw Kariem “levitate in the air sideways,” making eye contact before the man struck the car three times and the ride stopped. Another witness, Nicholas Mendenhall, heard a “clicking” sound from the restraints and noted staff checking them before launch. Several riders captured the moment on the coaster’s on-board camera.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of ejection: Some witnesses noted audible restraint clicks and staff checks, suggesting a possible malfunction; other accounts mention no mechanical issue. No official determination has been released.
- Injury count: Local television reported four injured guests, but other outlets have not confirmed the number.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one,” — Lisa Cupid, commissioner chair
- “We do not have an anticipated reopening date at this time,” — Richard Pretlow, park president
- “The company said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened by the guest incident" and that "our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest's family, friends, and loved ones".” — Six Flags spokesperson
What’s Next
The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner continue investigations. Six Flags has not set a reopening date for Goliath, and temporary closures of nine coasters remain pending safety reviews.