Full Breakdown
Fatal Goliath Ejection Triggers Safety Review Across Six Flags Parks
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident at Six Flags Over Georgia
On October 12, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old teacher from Atlanta, was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Witnesses said Kariem “passed out” before the lap-bar restraint failed, causing him to fall from the 200-foot hypercoaster and strike several by-standers before dying. Four children on the train sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner opened an investigation, and Cobb County police are also examining the circumstances.
Immediate Operational Response
Six Flags placed Goliath out of service and, as a precaution, temporarily shut nine other coasters at parks nationwide, including Millennium Force at Cedar Point, Ohio. Six Flags Over Georgia resumed normal operations on October 16, the scheduled reopening date.
Background of Similar Incidents
The Goliath ejection follows a 2021 incident at Cedar Point where a component fell from the Top Thrill Dragster coaster, striking a guest and leading to the ride’s permanent closure (later reconfigured as Top Thrill 2). Both incidents involve “fixed-site” rides, which are regulated by a patchwork of state rules rather than a unified federal framework.
Data on Injuries and Attendance
A 2013 study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital documented 92,000 child injuries on amusement rides between 1990 and 2010, with roughly one-third occurring on fixed-site attractions. Six Flags reported a $203 million net loss in its most recent quarter and a 7 percent decline in guest visits to 13.1 million, reflecting broader financial pressures on the operator.
Official Statements & Responses
Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner John King expressed sympathy and pledged continued investigation, noting that the park’s March inspection found no violations.
Park president Richard Pretlow emphasized support for affected guests while affirming the park’s safety priorities.
On-the-Ground Accounts
His brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, recounted that the latch “snapped or came loose” after Kariem lost consciousness, leading to the fatal ejection.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact restraint system used on Goliath. Some reports note the absence of seat belts, relying solely on lap bars, while others do not specify restraint details. The precise mechanical cause of the latch failure has not been publicly disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His last words were to my daughter, and they were: This is my favorite ride. I’m so excited to be here,” — Joshua Nelson
- “As efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident continue, we remain focused on supporting those affected and maintaining the safe operation of our park and attractions,” — Richard Pretlow
- “First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem, as well as everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,” — John King
What’s Next
The Georgia safety commission continues its investigation, and Goliath will remain closed pending the outcome. Six Flags has not announced a timeline for reopening the nine coasters that were shut as a precaution. Lawmakers and safety advocates are expected to renew calls for federal legislation to standardize oversight of fixed-site amusement rides.