Cobb County police have identified the man who died Monday at Six Flags Over Georgia as 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta. Witnesses say he was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster, a ride that reaches 70 miles per hour with drops of 170 and 175 feet. He struck other patrons on the way down and was found on a nearby roof. Several other people were injured, though the exact number and severity have not been released.
Six Flags closed the park following the incident and plans to reopen Friday. In a statement, the company said it was deeply saddened and extended condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones. The park is cooperating with Cobb County police.
What’s drawing attention beyond this single tragedy is the response: Six Flags temporarily shut down nine similar coasters across six parks, all of them rides that rely on lap bars rather than over-the-shoulder restraints. For Suncoast families planning trips to Georgia or Central Florida parks this season, that detail matters. It suggests the company is reviewing restraint design on its fastest rides, not just the one where the accident happened.
Have you ever questioned a ride’s restraint system while you were sitting in the seat? Tell us in the comments.
