Full Breakdown
Fatal Goliath Incident Triggers Park Reopening, Ride Closures and Ongoing Investigation
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Immediate Response
On Monday, a 42-year-old Atlanta school employee, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was ejected from the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, struck several other riders and fell beneath the attraction, where he was found dead. Cobb County police classified the event as a “guest incident” and opened a Major Crimes Unit investigation. Four juvenile riders who were hit were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Background & Context
Goliath, a 200-foot steel coaster that opened in 2006, uses a lap-bar “clamshell” restraint that locks over the rider’s lap and upper legs but has no secondary seat belt. The ride passed its most recent state safety inspection in March, noting only minor maintenance items such as replacement of “bushings.” Similar coasters built by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) across North America employ the same restraint design.
Data & Statistics
- First drop: 200 ft; top speed: 70 mph.
- Nine rides at six Six Flags parks were temporarily shut down after the incident, including Raging Bull (Illinois) and Fury 325 (North Carolina).
- The Doan Law Firm’s review counts eight prior deaths at Six Flags Over Georgia since 1989, three involving coaster rides.
Official Statements & Responses
- Six Flags Over Georgia President Richard Pretlow expressed sorrow and emphasized safety, noting that “while serious incidents of this nature are exceedingly rare, we never take responsibility to our guests for granted and remain committed to continuous learning and improvement.”
- Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said the investigation is focused on “the people who were hurt.”
- Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, represented by spokesperson Garrison Bennett, announced an “in-depth and comprehensive review” of the incident and compliance with all applicable policies.
Criticism & Opposition
Local resident Billy Giles criticized the timing of the park’s Friday reopening for the Fright Fest Halloween event, calling it “very inconsiderate” and suggesting the decision ignored the family’s feelings.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses described the rider’s restraint “coming undone” as the train descended, with one observer noting the man appeared to “hover” as the car moved underneath him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The precise mechanical cause of the restraint failure has not been disclosed; state inspectors are examining “every nook and cranny,” but no definitive findings have been released.
- Sources differ on the number of injured riders: some reports specify four juveniles, while others simply note “several” injuries.
What’s Next
- The Goliath coaster will remain closed indefinitely pending the outcome of the state investigation.
- Six Flags has not set a reopening date for the other temporarily suspended coasters; each park will conduct its own safety review before resuming operations.
- Cobb County police will close their case once the state investigation concludes, unless criminal charges become warranted.