Six Flags Renames Halloween Show After Fatal Coaster Accident
The theme park company removed 'dead man' from 'Dr. Fright's Dead Man's Party' following the death of Hassan Kariem on the Goliath roller coaster.
Six Flags has made a subtle change to the title of one of its Halloween shows, removing the words 'dead man' from 'Dr. Fright's Dead Man's Party' in the wake of a fatal roller coaster accident. Hassan Kariem, 42, died on Monday after he was thrown from his seat on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Georgia.
The change was made to the show, described as "filled with energetic entertainment, larger-than-life characters and festive surprises," and it is now known as 'Dr. Fright's Party.' The alteration was also implemented at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Previous blog posts about the show have been removed by the company.
Kariem, an education technology professional, was at the park to celebrate his fiancée's niece's 13th birthday. Witnesses reported that Kariem fell from his seat, striking the ride's metal structure multiple times before falling to the ground. His family has requested that photos and videos of the incident not be shared.
An investigation into the accident is underway, with state officials and Cobb County Major Crimes detectives examining the roller coaster's restraints, locking mechanisms, and safety sensors. A Six Flags spokesperson expressed deep sadness over the incident and stated the company is cooperating fully with authorities.
In a move described as being "out of an abundance of caution," Six Flags has temporarily closed similar roller coaster attractions across its parks. The Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia has been closed indefinitely, as has the same model roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California. Additionally, several other coasters at parks including Six Flags Great America in Illinois, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, Canada's Wonderland in Ontario, Carowinds in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Kings Island in Ohio have also been shut down. Mako at SeaWorld Orlando has also been closed.
Some visitors reported that the Goliath ride was closed for maintenance hours before the fatal incident, with park staff conducting test runs. Witnesses on the ride with Kariem noted unusual "clicking" noises from the restraints and that park staff had checked them multiple times before the car departed.