Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem dies in Austell roller coaster incident
Police are investigating a death at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell after Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was thrown from a roller coaster on Monday.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died Monday in Austell during an ongoing Cobb County Police Department investigation. The incident prompted the theme park operator to temporarily shut down nine similar rides nationwide. Kariem was thrown from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. He struck other park patrons before landing below, police said Tuesday.
Officials have not released information about the conditions or injuries of several hurt patrons. Neither officials nor park operators named the ride. Local television video showed guests evacuating from Goliath. A train remained on the tracks Tuesday on the first hill.
Rider Logan Conner watched the fatal fall from inside the ride train. Conner told NBC he saw Kariem leave his seat.
“The man started levitating in the air sideways. We made direct eye contact with him.”
Witness Britny Landry saw the impact while waiting in line to ride again. Landry told KTVU-TV she saw someone fly out.
Cobb County Board of Commissioners chairwoman Lisa Cupid confirmed relative notifications. She offered condolences to the family.
“I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one. We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories.”
A spokesperson for Six Flags Entertainment Corp. announced nine closures across six parks. Staff members responded immediately and cooperate with police. The company provides support for affected guests.
The Austell park site opened in 1967. The Goliath coaster opened in 2006. The website lists its top speed at 70 mph. The ride stands 200 feet tall.
The Doan Law Firm counts seven deaths at the property since 1989. Two victims entered restricted areas, the firm said. Two others died in traffic crashes. A man suffered a heart attack on Goliath in 2006.
Other park chains faced recent fatal events. A rider died from impact injuries in Florida last year. Magic Mountain in California retired the X2 ride following brain injury lawsuits.
Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner oversees amusement ride safety inspections across the state. State inspectors review ride mechanisms alongside local law enforcement inquiries. Theme park staff manage guest ride operations under these rules.
Detectives in Cobb County continue to investigate the fatal fall in Austell. Officials have filed no charges in the ongoing case.
