Man Dies After Falling From Goliath Roller Coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta, died Monday, October 12, 2026, after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell. Cobb County police said he was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction. Several other people were injured. The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. local time.

Witnesses told local television stations that Kariem appeared to leave his seat and hit the coaster train multiple times. One rider described seeing him levitate sideways before the fall. He landed on the roof of a nearby haunted house attraction. Park staff evacuated remaining riders. The park closed for the rest of the day. It had already been scheduled to close Tuesday.

Six Flags said it temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters at six parks across the United States and Canada as a precaution. The Goliath is a hypercoaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard. It opened in 2006, reaches 200 feet, and reaches speeds of 70 miles per hour. The manufacturer said it is investigating the incident. Cobb County police's major crimes unit continues its investigation. No cause has been released.

Kariem worked for Wesley International Academy in the Atlanta Public Schools system. The district said his presence will be missed by students and staff. Family members have not spoken publicly in detail. The park said it is providing support to affected guests and team members. Officials have not released the exact number or conditions of the injured riders.

This is at least the seventh death recorded at the Georgia park over the years, according to one law firm that tracks amusement park incidents. A 2006 death on the same ride involved a heart attack. The company has faced previous lawsuits over other coasters, including the recent retirement of the X2 at Magic Mountain after brain injury claims. Industry groups note that roller coaster fatalities remain rare relative to the number of rides taken each year, but each case prompts fresh scrutiny of restraints and maintenance.

Amusement parks operate under a mix of state regulations and industry standards. Georgia requires inspections, and the park said it cooperates fully with authorities. The temporary closure of similar rides suggests the company is checking restraint systems or train designs that share components with Goliath. Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoasters use similar train designs at multiple parks. The decision affects operations at Great America, Magic Mountain, Great Adventure, Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, and Kings Island.

The incident happened on Columbus Day, a holiday when many Atlanta-area schools were closed and attendance was higher than a typical Monday. Witnesses included families watching from the ground. One account said Kariem was riding with his son while his wife and daughter watched. Police have not confirmed those details. The ride train stopped on the first hill, and remaining passengers were brought down by park staff.

Investigators will examine the restraint system, the condition of the train, operator procedures, and any mechanical issues. Amusement ride accidents often involve a combination of factors rather than a single failure. The police statement described the ejection as preliminary information from witnesses and employees. Further forensic work on the ride and any personal medical factors will take time.

Six Flags has not said when the closed rides will reopen. The company expressed sadness and said it will not share additional details out of respect for the family's privacy. The case adds to ongoing discussions about ride safety standards and the limits of current restraint technology on high-speed coasters. For now, the confirmed facts are the death of Kariem, injuries to others, the temporary closures, and an active police investigation.