Six Flags to Add Seat Belts on Goliath After Fatal Fall

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, an Atlanta teacher, died on October 12, 2026 after being ejected from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia in Mableton, Ga. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other riders, all minors, were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Cobb County police preliminary findings said Kariem came out of his seat, struck other passengers, and fell beneath the coaster. An eyewitness account said he struck the coaster cars multiple times. Goliath, which opened in 2006, rises about 200 feet, reaches about 70 mph, and used padded U-shaped clamshell lap bars without seat belts. CEO John Reilly announced in an October 23 letter that Six Flags is adding seat belts to Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint and has engaged independent engineers to review safety procedures across all parks. He said the company will evaluate their findings and take appropriate action. Six Flags says Goliath and eight additional rides at five other parks are temporarily closed; one account lists nine coasters closed across six properties. Cobb County police are investigating alongside the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Parks remain open. Reopening dates for the closed coasters were not announced.