Georgia
(
Oct 24, 2026
) -
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator, died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. Four juveniles suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, which was reported on October 24, 2026.
Cobb County police said preliminary evidence indicated Kariem struck other riders before falling beneath the attraction. The circumstances of the fatal ejection remain under investigation.
Following the incident, Six Flags announced plans to add seat belts to Goliath and similar rides across its parks. CEO John Reilly outlined the changes in a public statement and said Goliath would remain closed while safety reviews continued.
Goliath used a clamshell-style lap bar that secured riders across their laps and upper legs, rather than an over-the-shoulder harness. The ride did not previously have a separate seat belt. The announced changes would add that restraint to the existing system.
Six Flags also said eight additional rides at five parks had been temporarily closed. Reilly announced a systemwide review involving independent engineers and ride-inspection specialists, along with an evaluation of safety procedures across the company’s full portfolio of rides.
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said Goliath passed its most recent state inspection on March 16, 2026. No violations or deficiencies were reported in that inspection. State officials said the attraction would remain closed until a full investigation was completed.
Families affected by an accident at Six Flags Over Georgia may want to preserve medical records, incident reports and correspondence with the park or insurers. A qualified Georgia attorney can explain how to request relevant records and assess potential legal options based on the evidence.
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