FATHER OF FOUR AND BELOVED EDUCATOR diᩚєs IN SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER tᩚraɢedy — FAMILY REMEMBERS THE MAN BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, spent more than a decade helping students learn and grow. Now, his family, colleagues, and community are mourning a devastating loss.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The life of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old educator and father, was cut short on October 12, 2026, during a visit to Six Flags Over Georgia, leaving his loved ones and school community heartbroken.

Hassan was identified by Cobb County police as the man who died following an incident involving the Goliath roller coaster at the amusement park. According to preliminary information gathered from witnesses and park employees, he was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction. Several other visitors were injured.

Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but Hassan was found unresponsive and not breathing. Authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and officials have said the case remains under review. The precise sequence of events and the factors that led to the tᩚraɢedy have not been fully established.

A DEDICATED EDUCATOR WHO TOUCHED COUNTLESS LIVES

Away from the headlines, Hassan was known for his commitment to education and the students he served.

He worked at Wesley International Academy, a charter school in Atlanta, for more than 12 years. Over the course of his career, he served as an IT manager, technology teacher, and robotics coach, helping students explore technology and develop their skills.

His work extended beyond computers and classrooms. Through his dedication to the school community, he became a valued colleague and a familiar, caring presence in the lives of students and staff.

Atlanta Public Schools described Hassan as a cherished member of the Wesley International Academy and district communities, saying his presence and impact would be deeply missed by students, employees, and everyone whose life he had touched.

The school community also expressed its grief, remembering a colleague whose dedication to students had made a lasting difference.

A HUSBAND, A FATHER, AND A LOVED FAMILY MEMBER

For those closest to Hassan, his loss is far more than a tragic news story. He was a husband, a father, and a loved one whose place in the family cannot simply be filled.

Reports described him as a father to a young daughter. His family had gathered at the amusement park to celebrate his niece’s birthday, turning what should have been a joyful family outing into an unimaginable tᩚraɢedy.

His relatives have also shared that Hassan had faced serious challenges in his life, including surviving cancer twice. His story was one of perseverance, making the sudden loss all the more painful for those who knew him.

Now, the people who loved him must face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared: family moments, laughter, and the years of love and connection that defined his life.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES AS FAMILY MOURNS

Following the incident, authorities began examining what happened aboard the Goliath roller coaster. Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire also launched a review of the ride, including relevant safety evidence and documentation. The attraction was taken out of service while the investigation continued.

Officials have not yet publicly established the complete cause of the incident. The ongoing investigation is expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding Hassan’s dєatᩚh.

As investigators work to answer those questions, his family and community are left with the painful reality of losing someone who meant so much to them.

Hassan will be remembered not simply for the tragic circumstances of his passing, but for the educator he was, the students he helped, and the love he gave to his family.

A LIFE THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE, A LOSS THAT WILL BE DEEPLY FELT.

May Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem rest in peace. May his family, friends, colleagues, and students find strength and comfort as they grieve, and may the memories of his life continue to bring them hope in the hardest days ahead.