FATHER, EDUCATOR AND CANCER SURVIVOR, 42, diᩚєs AFTER FALLING FROM SIX FLAGS ROLLER COASTER — FAMILY DESPERATELY SEEKS ANSWERS

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was celebrating his niece’s 13th birthday at Six Flags Over Georgia when a family outing ended in tᩚraɢedy. Now, his loved ones are remembering the devoted father and educator while asking how the incident could have happened.

A family celebration turned into an unimaginable tᩚraɢedy when Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator, died after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026.

Kariem was riding the Goliath attraction during a visit to the amusement park near Atlanta when the incident occurred. According to preliminary information released by Cobb County police, he was thrown from the moving coaster, struck other park visitors and fell beneath the attraction.

Officers responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. and found Kariem unresponsive. He could not be saved.

The circumstances surrounding his fall remain under investigation, and authorities have not yet established what caused him to leave his seat.

For his family, however, the tᩚraɢedy is about much more than the unanswered questions surrounding the ride. It is the sudden loss of a father, brother, educator and loved one whose life had touched so many people.

A FAMILY OUTING THAT ENDED IN HEARTBREAK

Kariem was visiting Six Flags with family members to celebrate his niece Navi’s 13th birthday.

According to an account shared by the family, Navi was seated beside her uncle when the incident happened. She later described him appearing to pass out before the roller coaster ascended again. She also raised concerns that his restraint may have come loose.

These details form part of the family’s account and have not been established as the official cause of the incident.

Kariem’s brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, told PEOPLE that the experience had been deeply traumatic for Navi, who witnessed the frightening event involving someone she loved.

Nelson also recalled Kariem’s excitement before the ride, saying he had expressed how much he was looking forward to it.

For the family, that memory has become especially painful: a day intended to create happy birthday memories instead became one they will never forget.

A DEVOTED FATHER AND PASSIONATE EDUCATOR

Away from the amusement park, Kariem was known for his work in education and technology.

He worked at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, where he was remembered as a valued member of the school community.

Atlanta Public Schools issued a statement expressing condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, describing him as a cherished member of the school system whose presence and impact would be deeply missed.

Kariem was also passionate about technology and robotics. Those who knew him remembered a man who combined professional dedication with a strong commitment to his family.

His loved ones have described him as a devoted father whose children were central to his life.

The loss has left relatives and colleagues mourning not only the circumstances of his dєatᩚh but also the future moments they will no longer get to share with him.

HE HAD ALREADY SURVIVED SERIOUS LIFE CHALLENGES

In the days following the incident, family friend Elicia Day shared further details about Kariem’s life, including serious challenges he had overcome before the roller coaster tᩚraɢedy.

According to Day, Kariem had previously survived cancer, a serious bout of COVID-19 and a frightening vehicle fire.

Just weeks before his dєatᩚh, he and his daughter reportedly escaped the vehicle fire.

Those close to him had been relieved that they made it through that earlier experience safely.

The fact that Kariem had overcome such difficult circumstances before his sudden passing has made the loss especially difficult for those who loved him.

His family is now left to remember a man whose life included both significant challenges and the determination to keep moving forward.

FAMILY QUESTIONS WHETHER THE tᩚraɢedy COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED

While grieving Kariem’s dєatᩚh, his relatives have also raised questions about whether the incident could have been prevented.

The central issue is how he came to be ejected from the Goliath roller coaster.

Investigators are examining witness accounts and the circumstances surrounding the fall. However, authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the cause involved the restraint system, a mechanical problem, a medical emergency or another factor.

It is important not to assume that a safety mechanism failed before the investigation reaches a conclusion.

Six Flags has said it is cooperating with authorities and has expressed condolences to Kariem’s family and everyone affected by the incident.

The Goliath attraction was temporarily closed following the tᩚraɢedy while officials worked to establish what happened.

For Kariem’s loved ones, a clear explanation could help answer some of the painful questions left by his sudden dєatᩚh.

FAMILY WARNS THE PUBLIC ABOUT UNAUTHORIZED FUNDRAISERS

As tributes and messages of support poured in, Kariem’s family issued a separate appeal warning people not to donate to online fundraisers claiming to be raising money in his name.

In a statement reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the family said it had not authorized crowdfunding accounts or donation requests.

Relatives asked the public to respect their privacy and avoid contributing to unofficial appeals.

They explained that if Kariem’s mother decided to establish a scholarship or memorial fund in his honor, the family would announce it through an official representative.

The warning reflects the additional difficulties families can face while grieving a sudden loss and trying to ensure that public support reaches the people it is intended to help.

AN INVESTIGATION THAT COULD HAVE WIDER IMPLICATIONS

The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.

Officials are working to establish how Kariem was ejected from the ride and what happened in the moments before his fall.

Until the findings are released, the cause remains undetermined.

The incident has also prompted wider concern about amusement park safety and the procedures used to ensure that riders are properly secured before attractions begin moving.

Any changes to safety procedures or conclusions about responsibility will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and relevant safety officials.

For now, the most immediate impact remains with the family and other visitors who witnessed the tᩚraɢedy.

REMEMBERING HASSAN JIHAD IBN KARIEM 🕊️

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was 42 years old when his life ended during what should have been a joyful family outing.

He was a father, educator and technology enthusiast, remembered by those closest to him for his dedication and the role he played in their lives.

His family is now facing the difficult task of grieving while waiting for answers about what happened at Six Flags Over Georgia.

For them, the story is not simply about a roller coaster or an investigation. It is about a loved one who was excited to spend time with family and whose absence has left a lasting void.

As authorities continue their work, those who knew Kariem are asking the public to remember his life, respect his family’s privacy and avoid circulating footage of the incident.

May Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem rest in peace. Our thoughts are with his children, family, friends and everyone mourning his loss. 💔🕊️

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