Man Who Died in Six Flags Roller Coaster Fall Was Cancer Survivor, Recent Car Fire Victim

Hassan Kariem, 42, who died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, was a two-time lymphoma survivor who had also recently survived a serious car fire. Family friends told WSB-TV that Kariem had also been hospitalized with COVID-19.

Just weeks before the fatal incident, Kariem and his 10-year-old step-daughter were involved in a car accident that totaled their vehicle. Both escaped the fiery crash unharmed, according to 11 Alive.

Kariem was at the theme park with his partner, her daughter, and her niece, continuing a childhood tradition. He was reportedly ejected from his seat on the Goliath rollercoaster around 4 p.m. Monday, striking the ride multiple times before falling beneath the attraction. He was found unresponsive behind a haunted house attraction.

Witnesses on the ride reported hearing a "weird clicking" noise from the restraints before the car departed. One passenger, Logan Conner, described seeing Kariem "levitating in the air sideways" and hitting the car multiple times before the ride stopped. His fiancée, who was also on the ride, described the event as the man being thrown from the car "three times on our car."

Cobb County police are investigating the incident. Six Flags has temporarily closed the Goliath rollercoaster and several other rides at its parks nationwide as a precautionary measure.

Kariem was remembered as a beloved educator and technology professional within the Atlanta Public Schools district, where he worked at Wesley International Academy. His family described him as a "cherished member" of the school community.

Beyond his professional life, Kariem was known for his passion for technology and his 3D printing business. Family members recalled him as the "sunshine of our family," a devoted individual who raised his step-daughter as his own. His family released a statement describing him as "exceptionally intelligent, thoughtful and kind," with a "gentle spirit and a warmth that made people feel safe, seen and valued."

This incident follows previous issues at Six Flags parks. Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announced it was demolishing its X2 rollercoaster after a series of lawsuits alleging severe injuries. These included the death of 22-year-old Christopher Hawley in 2022 and cases involving traumatic brain injuries sustained by other riders. One rider, Naomi Greer-Wilkinson, reportedly remains in a vegetative state following an incident on the X2, while another, Pamela Guillen, suffered severe brain hemorrhages.