Six Flags Roller Coaster Death: Victim Beat Cancer, Survived Car Fire Weeks Before Incident
Investigators are examining whether a mechanical failure, restraint problem or operator error caused the 42-year-old teacher’s death.
- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died Monday after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta. The Cobb County Police Department reported that Kariem was ejected from his seat and landed beneath the ride.
- Atlanta Public Schools officials called Kariem a "cherished member" of Wesley International Academy, where he served as an information technology manager and robotics coach. The educator had previously survived cancer, COVID-19, and a fiery automobile crash with his daughter.
- Investigators with the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are examining whether the incident involved mechanical failure, restraint system failure, or operator error. Goliath reaches speeds of 70 mph, rises 200 feet, and travels 4,480 feet.
- Elicia Day, a family friend, told WSB-TV the family is seeking "a full investigation and we want answers about how this happened." Kariem's cousin requested sensitivity regarding online images circulating from the incident.
- Six Flags Over Georgia was operating Monday for the Columbus Day holiday, normally closed on weekdays in October. The park is expected to reopen this coming Friday as the Georgia Office completes its investigation.
26 Articles
26 Articles
By Karina Tsui, CNN While researchers are trying to determine how a man fell and died on Monday during a ride on a roller coaster in Six Flags Over Georgia, authorities have identified the victim as a dear educator, which has caused a wave of pain throughout the Atlanta community and in the school system. Cobb County police identified the victim on Tuesday as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old man who worked at an Atlanta autonomous public s…
Hassan Beat Cancer, Survived COVID-19 and a Fire; but an Accident in an Amusement Park Took His Life
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem survived cancer, COVID-19 and a fire with his daughter, but died after falling off a roller coaster in an amusement park.
WFTV 9 abc
Six Flags roller coaster death: Victim beat cancer, survived car fire weeks before incident
“We’re absolutely devastated by this loss," a family friend said. "Any loss of a family member or friend is tragic but to lose him in this manner, this way it is beyond words can even express."
Telemundo Las Vegas
Jihad Ibn Kariem had also suffered a serious car accident from which he left unharmed, according to his relatives.
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