A technology teacher who fell to his death from a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia was riding with his 13-year-old niece to celebrate her birthday, it has emerged. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was thrown from the Goliath ride on Monday, striking the train several times before landing near a Halloween-decorated attraction.
Witnesses describe the fall
The Atlanta teacher was sitting next to his niece during the trip, and she witnessed the fall, which was reportedly captured by souvenir cameras. She called her father, Joshua Nelson, in panic after the tragedy. Nelson told local station WSBTV: “They went up and down, up and down, up and down. It went up again, his latch snapped or came loose, and he fell. She told me he fell off the rollercoaster.”
Other ridegoers, along with Hassan’s wife and stepdaughter, also witnessed the incident. Witnesses claim Hassan “locked eyes” with them as he fell from the ride, which can reach speeds of 70mph. His body was discovered motionless near a Halloween-themed attraction.
Investigation and park response
Cobb County Police Department said initial investigation suggests that he was “ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction.” The park’s president, Richard Pretlow, issued a statement on Friday confirming the park would open as scheduled, though he did not name the ride involved.
Pretlow said: “We are deeply saddened by the recent incident at the park. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the individual involved, their family, friends and loved ones. We also continue to keep the guests and team members affected by this tragic event in our thoughts. Six Flags Over Georgia will open as scheduled on Friday, October 16. As efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident continue, we remain focused on supporting those affected and maintaining the safe operation of our park and attractions.”
Recent struggles and loss
Just three weeks before his death, Hassan and his 10-year-old stepdaughter were involved in a car crash that totalled the vehicle beyond repair. He had also survived two bouts of lymphoma, most recently in 2018, and had been hospitalised with Covid-19 during the pandemic, according to his family. His loved ones and the school where he taught IT are reeling from the loss.
