Six Flags Over Georgia will welcome guests again on Friday, four days after a deadly accident on the Goliath roller coaster. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was ejected from the ride Monday and killed. He was a teacher at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, and former students have been sharing memories of his smile and his patience in the days since.
The Goliath itself remains closed, and no reopening date has been announced. In a notable move, Six Flags temporarily shut down nine similar coasters at parks across the country while the investigation continues. Cobb County police have not released an official cause of death, and it’s unclear how long the review will take.
For families here on the Suncoast, the story lands close to home. Plenty of us make the drive to Georgia theme parks, and plenty more ride coasters closer to home in Florida. Safety restraints, inspection schedules, and ride maintenance are worth paying attention to, whether you’re a thrill seeker or the grandparent holding the bags. What’s your take: does this change how you feel about getting on a big coaster? Let us know on our Facebook page.
