Man Who Died in Six Flags Roller Coaster Fall Had Survived Cancer, COVID-19 and a Car Fire, Family Friend Says

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator who died after falling from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, had already survived several major challenges in his life, including cancer, a serious bout of COVID-19 and a car fire just weeks before his death.

Kariem died on Oct. 12, 2026, after an incident on the Goliath roller coaster at the amusement park in Austell, Georgia. His death has devastated his family, friends and colleagues, who are now calling for answers about how the fatal incident occurred.

A Survivor Who Had Faced Repeated Challenges

Elicia Day, a friend of Kariem’s family, told Atlanta television station WSB-TV that he had endured several serious health challenges before the roller coaster accident. She said he had survived cancer and a difficult battle with COVID-19.

Day also revealed that Kariem and his daughter had survived a car fire only weeks before his death. Both escaped the incident unharmed.

The repeated hardships made his sudden death even more difficult for those who knew him.

“We’re absolutely devastated by this loss,” Day said, describing the family’s grief and calling for a thorough investigation. She added that loved ones wanted to understand how the incident happened.

What Happened on the Goliath Roller Coaster?

Kariem died Monday afternoon while riding Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. According to the Cobb County Police Department, preliminary information indicated that he was ejected from the ride and struck other riders before falling beneath the attraction.

Officers responding to the scene found him unresponsive and not breathing. He was later pronounced dead.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m. local time. Several other people were injured, and local reports said four people were taken to the hospital.

A witness told local television station WXIA that Kariem’s son was seated beside him on the ride. His wife and daughter were not aboard the coaster when the incident occurred.

Authorities have not publicly established what caused Kariem to fall from the ride. The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Remembered as a Dedicated Educator and Family Man

Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, where he began his career as a technology teacher before becoming an IT manager.

Atlanta Public Schools described him as a cherished member of the school community whose presence and impact would be deeply missed by students and colleagues.

In a statement, the district extended its condolences to his family and friends, emphasizing the loss felt throughout the school community.

His relatives also spoke about his commitment to education and the importance of his work. Beyond his professional role, Kariem was a father whose death has left his family coping with a sudden and devastating loss.

Family Calls for Answers

Day said the family wants investigators to determine exactly what happened on the ride. Their call for answers comes as authorities continue examining the fatal incident.

The tragedy has also renewed public attention on amusement-park ride safety. Six Flags temporarily closed several similar roller coasters across its parks while the company and investigators review the circumstances of the accident.

Goliath, which opened in 2006, reaches a height of approximately 200 feet and can reach speeds of up to 70 mph.

For Kariem’s loved ones, however, the focus remains on the man they knew: an educator, father and cancer survivor who had overcome serious challenges and recently escaped another life-threatening incident with his daughter.

His death has left his family seeking clarity while mourning a life they say had already been marked by remarkable resilience.