Father, 42, Dies After Being Ejected From Six Flags Roller Coaster Beside His Niece

What was meant to be a joyful birthday celebration turned into a devastating tragedy when a 42-year-old man died after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, an Atlanta father and school technology manager, was visiting the amusement park on October 12, 2026, to celebrate his niece Navi’s 13th birthday. According to his family, she was sitting beside him on the Goliath roller coaster when the incident occurred.

A family member told local media that Navi recalled her uncle appearing to pass out before his safety restraint seemed to come loose. Kariem was reportedly thrown from the ride, struck other riders and fell beneath the attraction. Authorities have not confirmed the exact sequence of events or determined what caused his death.

His family is now struggling to understand how an outing that began with excitement could end in such a heartbreaking loss. Kariem’s brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, said he was holding on to the memory of what Kariem reportedly said before boarding the ride: “This is my favorite ride, I’m so excited to be here.”

Kariem was remembered as a devoted father who loved technology, education and working with children. He had served as an IT manager at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, where he was valued by colleagues and students.

His death has also raised questions about amusement park safety. Six Flags Over Georgia said it was cooperating with authorities and expressed condolences to Kariem’s loved ones. The Goliath coaster was closed while investigators examined the incident, and safety officials launched their own investigation.

Nelson said part of him believes the death may have been a tragic accident, while another part continues to question whether it could have been prevented.

For Kariem’s family, the search for answers continues as they mourn a man whose birthday outing with his niece became a day they will never forget.

Source: PEOPLE