An investigation is in progress following the death of a man at a Six Flags park near Atlanta. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, from Atlanta, reportedly fell from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The incident, reported by the Cobb County Police Department, resulted in Kariem striking other patrons before falling under the ride. He was found unresponsive and not breathing.
Witness Logan Conner, who was also on the ride, described seeing Kariem ‘levitating in the air sideways’ and making direct eye contact with him during the incident.
Following the tragic event, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six parks ‘out of an abundance of caution.’ The closed rides include:
- Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America, Illinois
- Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain, California
- Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey
- Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds, North Carolina
- Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island, Ohio
- Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland
These parks were previously scheduled for seasonal midweek closures. However, the exact reasons for the ride closures remain unspecified. Most affected rides were manufactured by Swiss-based Bolliger & Mabillard, while the Goliath coaster at Magic Mountain was made by Giovanola.
Bolliger & Mabillard released a statement expressing sympathy for the tragedy, noting an ongoing investigation into the Georgia incident.
The Goliath coaster is categorized as a ‘hypercoaster’ and is designed for speed, airtime, and scenic views. Its lap bar restraint is noted for providing a feeling of freedom. Georgia’s Goliath reaches 70 mph over 4,480 feet with an elevation of 200 feet. It is slower and shorter compared to other hypercoasters like Raging Bull and Goliath in California.
Since 1989, at least seven fatalities have occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia, including a previous incident in 2006 involving a man dying from a suspected heart attack on the Goliath coaster. The Doan Law Firm, which monitors amusement park accidents, confirmed this.