Six Flags’ ‘Goliath’ coaster rider who fell to his death had beaten cancer, survived a car fire a month ago: sister

On October 13, 2026, Hassan Kariem, a 42-year-old teacher from the Atlanta area, died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia. The incident also left several others injured. Videos showed passengers being evacuated from the ride, with police and park officials responding immediately to the scene.

Kariem, a cancer survivor who had also cheated death in a car fire just weeks prior, was riding Goliath when he fell out of his seat at approximately 4:00 PM. He struck other patrons before landing below the ride, where emergency responders found him unresponsive. The Cobb County Police Department's major crimes unit is investigating the incident.

In response to this fatal accident, Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across North America "out of an abundance of caution." The Goliath coaster reaches heights of 200 feet and speeds up to 70 mph (112 kph), focusing on velocity and steep drops rather than traditional loops.

Kariem's family and friends expressed shock and grief, describing him as a beloved educator who had returned to Six Flags Over Georgia with his partner and her daughter. Atlanta Public Schools issued a statement remembering Kariem as a valued technology professional within the district. The ride manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard is investigating but has not provided further comment yet.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about amusement park safety, particularly for rides that prioritize extreme thrills over traditional designs. However, roller coaster fatalities remain rare events in the industry despite increasing ride intensity and speed. Georgia officials have released few details thus far regarding the exact cause of Kariem's death.