Teacher Killed in Six Flags Roller Coaster Fall Was Celebrating Niece's Birthday
A crisis expert criticized Six Flags executives for their silence following the fatal incident, as the company temporarily closed similar roller coasters across its parks.
Hassan Kariem, a 42-year-old education technology professional, died Monday after he was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell. Kariem was at the park to celebrate his fiancée's niece's 13th birthday, according to his future brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson.
Witnesses reported that Kariem fell from his seat and struck the ride's metal structure multiple times before falling to the ground, an incident that left some passengers covered in blood. Images and videos of the incident have circulated on social media, prompting Kariem's family to request that they stop being shared.
Six Flags has not publicly released details about the incident. Marsha Archer, a crisis management expert, urged company executives to issue a public statement, emphasizing the need to address Hassan Kariem's family first. A Six Flags spokesperson stated the company is "deeply saddened by the guest incident" and is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation. The spokesperson added that the park is providing support to those affected and withholding further comment out of respect for the family's privacy.
Archer called for more consistent communication from Six Flags, suggesting regular updates through various channels and advising the company to inform its employees about the accident details so they can address guest inquiries.
In the wake of Kariem's death, Six Flags has temporarily closed similar roller coaster attractions across its North American parks out of an "abundance of caution." The Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia has been closed indefinitely, as has a similarly named roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern California. Other affected rides include Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland, Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds, and Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island. Mako at SeaWorld Orlando has also been closed.