Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, a technology teacher at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, died on Monday after being ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, an incident that also left other patrons injured. His wife reportedly watched from the ground as he fell from the ride, which can reach speeds of up to 70mph.
A series of close calls
Kariem had recently survived a car crash, which damaged the car beyond repair but left him and his 10-year-old stepdaughter unhurt, according to 11 Alive. He was also a two-time lymphoma survivor, most recently in 2018, and had been ill in hospital with Covid-19, his family told Atlanta broadcaster WSB-TV.
His cousin, Geo Ashe, said Kariem had been a regular visitor to Six Flags since childhood, going twice during summers with their grandmother.
Family and community tributes
Ashe told Fox 5: 'He loved doing that, he loved kids. And he doesn't have any biological kids, but his stepdaughter is his daughter. She's been with him since she was two, three years old.' He added: 'He was the sunshine of our family. Our whole family is devastated by this because it just happened out the blue.'
His family released a statement describing the 42-year-old as 'exceptionally intelligent, thoughtful and kind,' and urged people to refrain from posting or circulating sensitive footage online after reports that his final moments were captured on the ride's souvenir cameras.
Investigation and response
Eyewitnesses said he hit the ride three times during his fall, and he was reportedly found unresponsive on the ground near a Halloween attraction. Cobb County Police Department said initial investigation suggests he was 'ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction.'
Six Flags said it was 'deeply saddened by the guest incident' and that 'our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest's family, friends, and loved ones.' Atlanta Public Schools paid tribute, saying: 'He was a cherished member of the Wesly International Academy and APS families whose presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched.'
