Six Flags Goliath tragedy: Live updates on fatal roller coaster investigation

A fatal incident aboard Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12, 2026, remains under investigation as new eyewitness accounts raise questions about the roller coaster’s operation before a guest was ejected.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta, died following the incident. Several other people were injured.

Six Flags Over Georgia has confirmed that the amusement park will reopen Friday, Oct. 16, as scheduled, but Goliath will remain closed with no anticipated reopening date.

Attractions Magazine is following the investigation, official statements and new reporting as authorities work to determine what happened.

Important note: The family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who died following the Oct. 12 incident on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, is warning the public against donating to fundraising campaigns established in his name.

In a statement reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, Kariem’s family said it has not authorized any crowdfunding accounts, donation requests or fundraising appeals and does not plan to authorize any at this time.

Relatives also asked the public to stop sharing footage of Kariem’s final moments and to respect their privacy as they grieve.

Latest updates on the Six Flags Goliath investigation

Oct. 14, evening: Police confirm four injured riders were minors

All four passengers injured during the fatal Oct. 12 incident aboard Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia were juveniles, Cobb County police confirmed Wednesday evening.

The four passengers were transported to different hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are withholding their identities and ages because they are minors.

Oct. 14, evening: Georgia safety commissioner pledges thorough investigation

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King described the investigation into the fatal Goliath incident as one of the most serious his office has conducted in a long time.

Speaking to Atlanta News First, King emphasized that Goliath would not resume operations until officials were satisfied that the roller coaster was safe.

Investigators are expected to examine maintenance records, restraint components, ride data and other evidence as they work to determine what caused Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem to be ejected.

Oct. 14, evening: Goliath investigation raises questions about ride safety oversight

As investigators examine the fatal incident aboard Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, new reporting from The Associated Press examines how amusement park rides are inspected and regulated.

Unlike traveling carnival rides, permanent amusement park attractions are generally subject to state-level safety oversight, with requirements varying by state. Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is conducting an in-depth review of the incident.

Oct. 14, afternoon: Georgia safety commissioner describes investigation and prior inspections

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King said state inspectors are examining the incident, conducting interviews and reviewing the attraction.

Speaking during an Atlanta Press Club debate, King said state inspectors had examined the park’s rides before the operating season began.

The statement confirms that state inspectors are actively investigating, but it does not establish whether a mechanical or operational problem contributed to the fatality.

Oct. 14, afternoon: Six Flags Over Georgia confirms Friday reopening; Goliath stays closed

Six Flags Over Georgia will reopen Friday, Oct. 16, following its regular midweek closure.

Park President Richard Pretlow confirmed that Goliath remains temporarily closed and that the park has no anticipated reopening date for the roller coaster. The park continues cooperating with investigators.

Oct. 14, morning: Witnesses describe restraint noises and earlier maintenance activity

New eyewitness accounts published by PEOPLE and the New York Post raise questions about Goliath’s operation before the fatal incident.

PEOPLE interviewed riders who described unusual clicking sounds involving restraints and repeated checks by employees before departure.

Separately, the New York Post reported accounts from park visitors who described an earlier interruption in Goliath’s operations, maintenance activity and test runs.

These accounts have not established that a restraint malfunction or earlier maintenance issue caused the incident. Authorities have not announced a cause.

Oct. 13: Police identify Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42

The Cobb County Police Department identified the deceased guest as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta.

According to police, preliminary interviews with witnesses and park employees indicate that Kariem was ejected from Goliath, struck other riders and fell beneath the attraction.

Officers responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. Oct. 12 and found Kariem unresponsive beneath the ride.

The Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are investigating.

Source: Cobb County Police Department

What investigators have not determined

Authorities have not publicly established what caused Kariem to be ejected from Goliath.

Questions remain about the ride vehicle and restraint system, operational procedures and the circumstances aboard the train. These are potential areas for examination, not findings of fault. The manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard, has also confirmed that it is investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

Remembering Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem

Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta. His family remembered him as a passionate educator who cared about his community and bringing families together.

Family members have also told news outlets that Kariem was visiting Six Flags Over Georgia to celebrate his niece’s birthday and was seated beside her on Goliath.

Our thoughts remain with his family, the other guests affected and the employees who experienced the incident.

Editorial credibility statement

Attractions Magazine has covered the amusement park industry for nearly 20 years, including roller coaster operations, manufacturer developments and more. Our managing editor has discussed the Goliath investigation with WESH 2 Orlando and News 12 New Jersey, and appeared on other news outlets for other industry topics. This developing report draws on official statements, firsthand industry reporting and attributed news sources, distinguishing confirmed findings from unverified eyewitness accounts.