<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Police in Georgia reported on Tuesday that a man who died at a Six Flags amusement park was ejected from a roller coaster and struck other riders as he fell.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The incident occurred on Monday night at a Six Flags location in Cobb County, Georgia. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after falling from the 200-foot-tall roller coaster known as “Goliath,” and four other individuals sustained injuries.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Following the incident, Six Flags suspended operations of the Goliath roller coaster. The amusement park chain has also closed nine other rides across six locations in North America.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A spokesperson for Six Flags Over Georgia stated, “We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The spokesperson added, “The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Georgia Six Flags location was closed following Kariem’s death and remained closed on Tuesday.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kariem worked at a public charter school, and family members reported that he and his daughter had survived a car fire weeks before his death. He had previously survived cancer and a serious case of COVID-19.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This incident follows the announcement by Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles County, California, that it would retire its “X2” roller coaster after a CNN investigation revealed multiple reports of injuries and fatalities associated with the ride.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Other patrons on the Goliath during the incident described the seats as feeling insecure. Witnesses nearby initially thought someone had dropped a bag when Kariem was ejected, adding that he appeared to be “levitating.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Cobb County Police Department's major crimes unit is investigating the incident, while the state Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, responsible for ride inspections, is also conducting a review. Additionally, the Swiss coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard announced it would be conducting its own investigation.</p>