42-year-old man dies after falling off Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia: Police
A 42-year-old man died after being ejected from a roller coaster at a Six Flags amusement park in Georgia, police said.
The man -- Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, of Atlanta -- was found dead beneath the ride at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
"Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction," the Cobb County Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday. "Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident."
The state's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, which is responsible for the safety of amusement park rides in Georgia, also said it is "actively investigating" the incident.
"Our investigative team is conducting an in‑depth and comprehensive review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures," Garrison Bennett, the agency's press secretary, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Several people were also injured in the incident, which occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Monday at the Atlanta-area amusement park, according to police.
Distraught witnesses described the horrific incident to ABC News, saying they saw the man coming out of his seat on the amusement park's Goliath roller coaster, then hit the ride several times before falling to the ground. Witnesses told a local station that the fall was captured on their souvenir pictures.
Riders on the Goliath were seen being evacuated off the roller coaster on Monday, after it stopped near the top of the ride.
A Six Flags spokesperson said that the "park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation."
"We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today," the spokesperson said in a statement on Monday. "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 Goliath roller coaster reaches an elevation of 200 feet and speeds up to 70 mph, according to the amusement park's website. The ride first opened in 2006 at the amusement park, located west of Atlanta in Austell.
The manufacturer of the Goliath coaster, Switzerland-based Bolliger & Mabillard, said the company is "deeply saddened by this tragic accident."
"Our thoughts are with the family and those affected," Olivier Bolliger of Bolliger & Mabillard said in a statement Tuesday. "We are actively investigating the incident and will not comment further until we have a better understanding of what happened."
The Six Flags spokesperson said that "out of an abundance of caution," the theme park company has "temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks."
Six Flags is not releasing additional information on the incident at this time "out of respect for the family's privacy," the spokesperson added.
Kariem worked for the Atlanta Public Schools, a spokesperson for the school district confirmed Tuesday, calling him a "cherished member of the Wesley International Academy."
His "presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched," the spokesperson said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with everyone mourning his loss during this difficult time."
Kariem was the IT manager at Wesley International Academy, according to his LinkedIn page. A bio on his school's website stated that the favorite part of his job was "the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both students and staff through technology," and that in his spare time, he enjoyed "creating custom products with his laser engraver and 3D printers, grilling and trying new recipes, watching anime, and spending time with family and friends."
