Man who fell to his death while riding Six Flags roller coaster identified

ATLANTA (ANF/Gray News) - Police have identified the man who died on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia Monday afternoon.

Cobb County police identified the victim Tuesday as 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta. According to witnesses, the man fell to his death from the Goliath roller coaster, which goes at 70 miles per hour and drops twice — once at 170 feet and the other at 175 feet.

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Logan Conner, who said he was on the ride with his fiancée, reported watching the man come out of his seat.

“The man started levitating in the air sideways,” Logan Conner told NBC. “We made direct eye contact with him.”

According to police, Kariem was thrown from the ride, hitting other patrons as he fell. His body was found on a nearby roof.

Britny Landry, who was waiting in line to ride the coaster a second time, said she saw somebody “fly out” but at first wasn’t sure what she saw.

“Maybe somebody had a bag or something,” she told KTVU-TV.

Several other people were injured. The exact number of victims and the extent of their injuries are unknown.

Riders were stuck on the roller coaster following the incident and had to be helped to the ground.

Six Flags Over Georgia was shut down after the incident and remained closed on Tuesday. The park will reopen on Friday, according to its website.

Kariem worked for the Atlanta Public Schools, the district confirmed on Tuesday. APS said he worked at Wesley International Academy, a K-8 charter school. It is not known what his exact role was, but his social media pages refer to him as an IT manager.

“He was a cherished member of the Wesley International Academy and APS families whose presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched. Our thoughts are with everyone mourning his loss during this difficult time,” APS said in a statement.

Six Flags has temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six parks “out of an abundance of caution.” Officials said the affected attractions are similar to Goliath, which only uses a lap bar to secure riders.

In a statement, Six Flags said it’s cooperating with the police investigation.

“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,” the spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.”

Before Monday’s incident, Six Flags Over Georgia has had at least seven deaths since its opening in 1967, according to The Doan Law Firm, which tracks amusement park deaths.