Man Dies After Falling from Goliath Coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia

A 42-year-old Atlanta man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon. Cobb County police identified him as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. Witnesses and police said he was ejected from the ride, struck other patrons, and landed beneath the attraction. He was unresponsive and not breathing when officers arrived. Four other people were injured and taken to hospital.

The incident occurred around 3:58 p.m. on the Columbus Day holiday. The park, located about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta, was open for the federal holiday. Witnesses told local television stations that Kariem fell and hit the coaster car three times before landing on the roof of a haunted house below. One witness said the falling man appeared in souvenir photographs taken automatically during the ride. Kariem was reportedly riding with his son while his wife and daughter watched from the ground.

Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters at six parks across the country out of an abundance of caution. A company spokesperson said staff and local authorities responded immediately and that the park is cooperating fully with the investigation. The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is also examining the incident. The manufacturer of the ride said it is actively investigating. Goliath reaches a height of 200 feet and a top speed of 70 miles per hour.

The park was already scheduled to be closed on Tuesday. One of the Goliath trains remained stopped on the track where it had been climbing the first hill. Detectives from the Cobb County Major Crimes Unit are leading the probe. No cause has been announced. Park officials said they are providing support to guests and team members affected by the incident and offered condolences to the family.

This is at least the seventh death associated with Six Flags Over Georgia since the park opened in 1967, according to tallies kept by injury attorneys. A previous death on Goliath occurred in 2006 when a rider suffered a heart attack. The current investigation will examine whether the restraint system failed, whether the rider stood up, or whether another factor caused the ejection. Six Flags has not said when the closed coasters will reopen.

The company operates multiple parks under the Six Flags and Cedar Fair brands. The decision to shut similar rides nationwide indicates a precautionary review of restraint systems or operational procedures on comparable attractions. No other injuries have been reported at the other parks. The family of Kariem has been notified. Police have not released further details on the condition of the four injured riders.