Hᴀssan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a respected technology educator and robotics coach who dedicated more than a dozen years to Atlanta students, died on Monday afternoon after being thrown from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The 42-year-old was widely remembered by family, colleagues, and the school community for the positive influence he had on young people and for the resilience he showed throughout his life.
Kariem served as a technology teacher, IT manager, and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school in Atlanta. Atlanta Public Schools described him as a cherished member of the school community whose commitment to students was clear in his daily work. Colleagues noted that children often looked forward to time in the technology lab, where many first learned how to use a computer mouse after growing up primarily with tablets and touchscreens.
Those closest to him spoke of a man who was caring, creative, and full of ideas. Family members said he loved cooking and sharing knowledge, and that he treated his bonus daughter and other relatives with deep affection. His cousin, Marcus Bentley, recalled Kariem’s strength in the face of serious challenges, including a battle with cancer and a severe car accident. Even during difficult times, Bentley said, Kariem found ways to keep a sense of humor. “He still found a way to laugh to keep from crying,” he shared.
According to authorities, the incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. on Monday while Kariem was riding Goliath, a hypercoaster that reaches speeds of approximately 70 mph and climbs to a height of 200 feet. Witnesses reported that he was ejected from his seat, struck other riders, and then fell beneath the structure. He was found unresponsive and not breathing. Several other park guests, including minors, sustained injuries.
Kariem had gone to the park with family members to celebrate a relative’s birthday and was seated next to his niece at the time of the accident. Investigators from the Cobb County Police Department, along with state officials responsible for ride safety, are examining the circumstances of the ejection. Officials noted that Goliath had undergone a routine inspection earlier in the 2026 season and that no violations were recorded at that time.
In the days after the tᩚraɢedy, friends and coworkers emphasized that they hoped Kariem would be remembered for the way he lived rather than for the manner of his dєatᩚh. Tributes highlighted his creativity, his dedication to teaching, and the encouragement he offered students who might otherwise have limited access to technology education.
Six Flags temporarily closed Goliath and similar roller coasters at other parks across North America as a safety measure. The Georgia park later reopened to the public while the specific ride remained offline pending the outcome of the investigation. Funeral services were held in the following week, giving the Atlanta community an opportunity to honor Kariem’s memory.
The loss has been felt deeply at Wesley International Academy and among those who knew Kariem as both an educator and a resilient, warm-hearted individual.
Sources: CNN, ABC News.
