Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator and IT manager, has been identified as the man who died Monday (October 12) after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
The Cobb County Police Department identified Kariem on Tuesday (October 13). According to the department, preliminary interviews indicated he was thrown from the attraction, hit other riders and fell beneath the ride.
Kariem’s son was sitting beside him on the roller coaster when the incident occurred, a witness told NBC affiliate WXIA, according to PEOPLE. The witness said Kariem’s wife and daughter were not on the ride and “had no idea” what had happened, while his son “watched it all” unfold.
Investigators are working to determine what caused Kariem to be ejected from the Goliath roller coaster.
CiCi Nelson, who was waiting to board Goliath, told CNN that the roller coaster returned with an empty seat and distressed passengers. She recalled one man “freaking out, saying someone fell off.”
Kariem spent more than 12 years at Wesley International Academy, where he worked as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach. Executive Director Jason Marshall said the school was “devastated by the loss of Hassan Kariem, affectionately known as Mr. Kariem.”
In a statement shared with CNN affiliate WANF, Marshall described Kariem as “a beloved colleague, friend, and integral part of the Wesley family for more than 12 years.”
“Mr. Kariem was deeply loved and respected, and his absence will be felt throughout our school community,” Marshall added.
CNN reported that similar roller coasters at parks in the United States and Canada were temporarily closed as a precaution.
Six Flags Over Georgia said it was “deeply saddened by the guest incident” and extended condolences to Kariem’s family.
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