He Survived Cancer Twice, COVID-19 and a Burning Car — Then a Roller Coaster Ride Ended His Life at 42

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem had survived some of life’s most frightening challenges. He had battled cancer twice, endured a serious bout of COVID-19 and recently escaped a burning car with his young daughter. But on October 12, 2026, the 42-year-old father’s life came to a tragic end during what was supposed to be a joyful family outing at Six Flags Over Georgia. He was thrown from a towering roller coaster, leaving his loved ones devastated and demanding answers about how such a tragedy could happen.

Kariem, an Atlanta resident and devoted father to a 10-year-old daughter, worked as an IT manager at Wesley International Academy, where he had previously served as a technology teacher. His family described him as someone who had overcome enormous obstacles throughout his life. His most recent battle with cancer was in 2018, and just three weeks before the amusement park accident, he and his daughter had reportedly survived a car fire without suffering injuries.

On the day of the tragedy, Kariem was visiting Six Flags Over Georgia in Georgia to celebrate his niece’s 13th birthday. He boarded the Goliath roller coaster, a towering attraction that rises approximately 200 feet and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph. According to family accounts reported by PEOPLE, his niece, who was seated beside him, recalled that he appeared to lose consciousness before he fell from the ride. She also reportedly believed his safety restraint had come loose. These accounts have not yet established the cause of the accident.

Authorities said officers responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. and found Kariem beneath the attraction, unresponsive and not breathing. Preliminary information gathered from witnesses and park employees indicated that he had been ejected from the roller coaster, striking other riders before falling to the ground. Four children also suffered injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The incident prompted an investigation by the Cobb County Police Department and Georgia state safety officials.

Questions about ride safety quickly followed. State records showed that Goliath had last undergone an inspection on March 16, 2026, with no violations or deficiencies reported at that time. However, officials emphasized that the inspection records were being reviewed as part of the investigation. Six Flags temporarily suspended operations of nine similar roller coasters across six parks while authorities worked to determine what had happened. The findings had not yet established whether a mechanical failure, a restraint issue or another factor contributed to Kariem’s death.

For Kariem’s family, the loss is especially difficult to comprehend after everything he had already survived. His loved ones are now left grieving a father, relative and educator whose life touched children, colleagues and family members. Atlanta Public Schools also expressed condolences, remembering him as a valued member of its educational community whose presence would be deeply missed.

His story has raised painful questions about how a family celebration could end in such devastating circumstances. As investigators continue examining the evidence, those who loved Kariem are left waiting for answers — hoping to understand what happened on the ride and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

Source: PEOPLE