Beloved educator, father identified as victim in Six Flags Over Georgia ride accident

Police have identified 42‑year‑old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a longtime Atlanta educator and father, as the man who died Monday after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, according to the Cobb County Police Department.

Beloved man killed at in tragic accident at Six Flags Over Georgia

Kariem was at the park with several relatives to celebrate his partner’s niece’s birthday, family members told Fox 5 Atlanta. They said he was seated beside her when the incident occurred, turning what was meant to be a routine family outing into a tragedy that stunned both loved ones and the school community he served.

Officers responded around 3:58 p.m. and found Kariem unresponsive beneath the ride structure. Police said witness and employee interviews remain ongoing as investigators work to determine what led to the tragic event. Several guests were injured, though officials have not released their conditions.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem Was A Dedicated Educator in Atlanta Public Schools

As news of the incident spread, tributes began highlighting the life Kariem built in Atlanta’s education community. He spent more than 12 years at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school in the Atlanta Public Schools district. There, he worked as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach.

The school described him as a “beloved colleague” whose presence and impact would be deeply missed. His biography on the school’s website said his favorite part of the job was “the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both students and staff through technology.”

The biography also noted that he enjoyed

• creating custom products with his laser engraver and 3D printers
• grilling
• trying new recipes
• watching anime and
• spending time with family and friends, interests that reflected the creativity he brought into his teaching

Because he worked across grade levels and programs, Kariem became a familiar figure to students who relied on him for help with coding, engineering tools and hands‑on digital projects. The school said his dedication was evident in everything he did. Moreover, that his absence would be felt throughout the community.

A Life Marked by Resilience

Family members told Fox 5 Atlanta and WXIA that Kariem survived cancer twice, most recently in 2018. He also escaped a fiery car accident with his 10‑year‑old daughter just weeks before the Six Flags incident. They said those experiences shaped his outlook, making him protective, grateful and committed to the people around him.

Investigation

A spokesperson for Six Flags in a statement said the attraction and some similar attractions have been temporarily closed.

In addition to the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, nine similar hypercoasters in six theme parks across North America have been temporarily closed as well.

An investigation into the tragic event remains ongoing.