Full Breakdown
Fatal Ejection on Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath Coaster Triggers Nationwide Ride Closures
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Monday, October 12, a 42-year-old man identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Mableton, Georgia. Police said he was “unresponsive and not breathing” after striking other riders and falling beneath the attraction. Several other guests were injured; the exact number and condition of those guests have not been disclosed.
Background & Context
Goliath, a steel hyper-coaster manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, opened in 2006 and features a 200-foot lift hill, a 170-foot drop and a top speed of 70 mph. The ride uses lap-bar restraints that pull down over riders’ legs and waist but does not employ over-shoulder harnesses. The Georgia park has experienced six prior fatalities since 1989, including a 2006 death attributed to a heart attack on the same coaster.
Data & Statistics
- Goliath’s ride duration is about 3½ minutes, covering roughly 4,480 feet.
- IAAPA reports an estimated 1.92 billion guest rides in North America in 2024, with serious injuries occurring in about 1 in 15.5 million rides.
- The Doan Law Firm counts this incident as the seventh death at the Georgia park since 1989.
Official Statements & Responses
Six Flags issued a statement expressing deep sadness and confirming cooperation with local authorities.
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner launched a review of the incident, while the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the criminal investigation.
IAAPA president and CEO Jakob Wahl released an industry-wide statement mourning the loss and emphasizing that safety remains a fundamental priority.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses described the rider being “levitated” and striking the train multiple times before falling onto a nearby haunted-house structure. One patron captured the moment in a souvenir photograph later shared with local media. Another eyewitness said the restraint “came undone” and that bystanders attempted to grab the falling rider without success.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the number of non-fatal injuries: some describe “several” guests injured, while others specify four individuals. No official cause for the ejection has been released, and investigators have not confirmed whether a mechanical malfunction, restraint misuse, or rider behavior contributed to the fatality.
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, commissioners chairwoman
- “These findings reinforce the importance of ongoing safety monitoring, research, and continuous improvement,” — IAAPA, president and CEO
- “Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction,” — Cobb County Police Department
What’s Next
Six Flags has not announced reopening dates for the suspended coasters. Ongoing investigations by the Cobb County Police Department and the state safety commissioner are expected to produce a detailed report in the coming weeks, which will inform decisions on ride reinstatement and any required safety modifications.
