Fatal Six Flags coaster accident sparks probes

A man died after an incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags (FUN) Over Georgia on Oct. 12, 2026. Police identified the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta. Officers responded just before 4 p.m. ET to what was described as an incident involving a male guest on a roller coaster and found Kariem unresponsive and not breathing beneath the ride.

Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride, struck other patrons and then fell beneath the attraction. Several other park visitors were injured in the same event, and riders were evacuated from the train after the incident.

The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the criminal investigation into the circumstances around the death. Investigators continue to examine what happened on the ride and what may have led to the ejection, while next of kin for the victim have been notified.

Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, which oversees inspections of amusement and carnival rides in the state, announced it is conducting an "in‑depth and comprehensive review" of the incident. The office said the review aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and to ensure full compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

In response to the accident, Six Flags has temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across parks in the United States and Canada out of what it described as an abundance of caution. The company stated that it is cooperating fully with local authorities as investigations proceed.

The Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia is described by the park as a hypercoaster reaching about 200 feet in height and speeds of about 70 miles per hour. The closures affect attractions of a similar type while safety reviews are carried out by officials and technical experts.

Bolliger & Mabillard, the manufacturer of the coaster, called the events "tragic" and said it is "actively investigating" the incident. The company stated it would not comment further until it has a better understanding of what transpired on the ride.

The fatal accident prompted an immediate reaction in financial markets. Trading data showed Six Flags’ shares fell sharply following the news, with the sell‑off erasing about $170 million in market value and the stock dropping roughly 14% in intraday trading. The combination of a high‑profile death, multiple injuries and widespread ride closures has increased scrutiny of Six Flags’ safety practices and added pressure to its broader business performance.