A 42-year-old Georgia man died Monday after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. His sister said he had been in remission from cancer since 2015 and survived a car fire only weeks before the amusement park accident. The incident has prompted Six Flags to temporarily close similar rides at parks nationwide while authorities investigate. Officials have not determined what caused the fall.
The victim was identified as Hassan Kariem, who worked as an information technology manager for Atlanta Public Schools. His sister, Andrea Clark, described him as a devoted family member and condemned the circulation of images showing his final moments.
| 1) | Victim identified after fatal fall |
|---|---|
| 2) | Family remembers a survivor and provider |
| 3) | Goliath ride details and witness accounts |
| 4) | Similar roller coasters closed as a precaution |
| 5) | Investigation continues into the cause |
Victim identified after fatal fall
Cobb County police identified Hassan Kariem as the man who died after a reported fall from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia in Georgia on Monday. Kariem was 42. The circumstances of the fall remain under investigation, and authorities have not said whether a mechanical problem, a restraint issue, a medical event or another factor was involved.
The death occurred at the amusement park during operation of the 200-foot-tall hypercoaster. Emergency responders and investigators examined the incident, while the park cooperated with authorities. No official finding on the cause had been announced.
Family remembers a survivor and provider
Andrea Clark said her brother had been in remission from cancer since 2015 and had survived a “crazy” car fire about a month before his death. She described the loss as difficult to understand because he had overcome serious challenges and appeared healthy and able-bodied.
“He’s an amazing person. The coolest part about me was him,” Clark said.
Clark also said Kariem worked hard to support his family and helped raise his fiancée’s daughter, whom he had known since she was 3 years old. She called him her hero and urged people not to share disturbing images reportedly showing the fall.
Goliath ride details and witness accounts
Goliath reaches speeds of up to 70 mph, according to park information. The ride includes an initial 170-foot drop, a second 175-foot drop and a 540-degree spiral. Its height and speed made the reported fall especially alarming to witnesses at the park.
One parkgoer told a local television outlet that Kariem appeared in a souvenir photograph taken during the ride and claimed he struck the coaster car several times. That account has not established how or why he left the ride, and investigators have not publicly confirmed the details of the photograph.
Similar roller coasters closed as a precaution
Six Flags temporarily closed similar roller coasters at parks across the country after the Georgia death. The precautionary closures are intended to allow additional reviews while the investigation proceeds. The company said it was cooperating with authorities.
The action has broadened attention beyond the individual incident because comparable rides may use related designs or operating systems. The closures do not by themselves establish that a defect caused Kariem’s death. Officials must still determine the condition of the ride, its restraints and the circumstances leading to the fall.
Investigation continues into the cause
Authorities had not determined what caused Kariem to fall as of the latest update. Investigators are expected to review ride operations, safety procedures, witness statements, photographs and any available surveillance or maintenance information. The timing and scope of any further park action will depend on those findings.
Atlanta Public Schools confirmed that Kariem worked for the district as an IT manager and expressed condolences to his family. His death has also raised broader questions about amusement ride safety and potential liability, although no conclusions about responsibility have been reached.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hassan Kariem, 42, died after a reported fall from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. |
| 2 | His sister said he had been in cancer remission since 2015 and survived a recent car fire. |
| 3 | Six Flags closed similar rides nationwide as a precaution. |
| 4 | Authorities have not identified the cause of the fall. |
Summary
The death of Hassan Kariem at Six Flags Over Georgia has led to temporary closures of similar roller coasters while investigators examine what happened. His family is mourning a man remembered for surviving major hardships, supporting loved ones and serving his community. Until authorities complete their review, the cause of the fatal fall and any potential liability remain unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who died in the Six Flags Over Georgia incident?
Hassan Kariem, a 42-year-old Georgia man and Atlanta Public Schools IT manager, died after a reported fall from the Goliath roller coaster.
What was known about Kariem’s personal history?
His sister said he had been in remission from cancer since 2015 and survived a car fire several weeks before the amusement park incident.
Why were similar rides closed?
Six Flags temporarily closed similar roller coasters at parks nationwide as a precaution while authorities and the company investigate the Georgia death.
Has the cause of the fall been determined?
No. Authorities had not determined what caused Kariem to fall from the ride as of the latest update.
