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

A 42-year-old man died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on 12 October 2026. Cobb County Police identified the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta. Several other riders were injured. The park closed for the remainder of the day, and Six Flags later shut nine similar rides at parks across the United States and Canada.

Police said officers responded to the park in Austell, about 17 miles west of Atlanta, at approximately 3:58 p.m. local time. Kariem was found unresponsive and not breathing beneath the attraction. Preliminary interviews with witnesses and employees indicated he was ejected from the ride, struck other patrons, and fell to the ground. Witnesses told local station WXIA that he hit the coaster car three times before landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house. One rider said Kariem appeared to levitate sideways before the impacts. Another reported that Kariem was riding with his son while his wife and daughter watched from the ground.

Atlanta Public Schools confirmed that Kariem worked as a technology teacher at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school. The district extended condolences to his family, friends, and students. Kariem’s family also spoke with local media.

Goliath is a 200-foot-tall hypercoaster built by Bolliger & Mabillard. It reaches a top speed of 70 miles per hour and includes two major drops. The ride has operated since 2006. A previous death on Goliath in 2006 involved a rider who suffered a congenital heart condition; an autopsy found the ride was not at fault. Six Flags has recorded multiple incidents at the Georgia park since it opened in 1967, though most were not ride-related ejections.

Six Flags said it was deeply saddened by the incident and was cooperating with the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit. Out of an abundance of caution, the company temporarily closed nine rides at six other parks: Raging Bull at Great America, Goliath at Magic Mountain, Nitro at Great Adventure, Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada’s Wonderland, Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds, and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island. The manufacturer of Goliath stated it was actively investigating. The Georgia park was already scheduled to be closed on 13 October.

Investigators have not released a cause. Questions remain about restraint function, rider behavior, and mechanical condition. Amusement park safety statistics compiled by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions indicate that the chance of serious injury on a fixed-site ride is roughly one in 15.5 million rides taken. Still, high-profile ejections draw immediate attention from regulators and insurers.

The incident occurred on Columbus Day, a federal holiday, when parks typically see higher attendance. Several riders remained on the coaster after it stopped and required evacuation. No additional fatalities have been reported. Police said next of kin were notified. The investigation continues.

Six Flags has not announced a reopening date for Goliath or the other closed rides. State authorities in Georgia will review the findings. Families of those injured may pursue civil claims once the facts are clearer. The death has renewed discussion about restraint design on older hypercoasters and the adequacy of pre-ride checks.

Kariem’s colleagues at Wesley International Academy described him as dedicated to students. The school system said his presence will be missed. No further official statements on the mechanical findings have been issued as of 14 October.