An Atlanta teacher tragically lost his life after falling from the “Goliath” roller coaster at a Six Flags park, where he was an active member of a Facebook group for roller coaster enthusiasts.
Hassan Kariem, who was 42 years old, had joined the public “Roller Coaster Enthusiasts Club” just seven months prior to his fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. This group has been around for about 15 years and boasts over 104,000 members who share their thrill-seeking experiences at amusement parks.
After the accident, many members of the group paid tribute to Kariem, who was a cancer survivor. Friends and strangers alike referred to him as “one of our own” and a “brother,” noting the community he had built through shared passions.
Kariem worked as an IT manager at Wesley International Academy, a charter school in Atlanta. The school expressed its profound sorrow over his passing, stating they were “devastated” and highlighting the positive impact he had on students and colleagues alike. His commitment and love for the school culture resonated strongly among those who knew him.
The specifics of his death haven’t been disclosed, and an investigation concerning the incident is currently underway. The “Goliath,” recognized as Georgia’s tallest roller coaster, is now temporarily closed.
Park president Richard Pretlow stated that there is no estimated reopening timeline for the ride. Witnesses revealed that Kariem was on the coaster with his niece when he was ejected. Disturbing images circulating online appeared to show him struggling as screams erupted around him, with some riders even getting injured and splattered with blood during the incident.
One woman on the ride recalled the moment, mentioning that he fell onto another rider a few rows ahead and hit various parts of the cart during his fall. Others described the scene as surreal, with one bystander commenting on how it seemed to unfold almost in slow motion.
Logan Conner, who was riding with his fiancé, observed that Kariem “started levitating in the air sideways” before falling. Nick Mendenhall, who had just finished his ride with his son, detailed how Kariem fell headfirst back into the coaster during its final turn, a moment that felt both instant and drawn out.
Summer Bates, who witnessed the entire event, remarked that the sound of the fall would be a haunting memory for those who experienced it.
