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.

Latest updates on the Six Flags Goliath investigation

Key points:

• Oct. 12: Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Four other riders were injured.
• Oct. 13: Six Flags temporarily closed nine additional roller coasters at six parks as a precaution. Eight have no confirmed reopening dates.
• Investigation: Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is investigating the incident alongside Cobb County Police. No official cause has been determined.
• Current status: Goliath remains closed indefinitely. Six Flags Over Georgia has resumed normal park operations, while investigators continue examining the fatal incident.

Nov. 2: Two law firms investigate Six Flags following Goliath fatality

Two shareholder-rights law firms have announced investigations into Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is investigating whether Six Flags misled investors through statements concerning safety, maintenance and ride reliability. The firm, which issued notices Oct. 21 and Oct. 27, published another investor alert Nov. 2.

It reports that Six Flags stock fell approximately 14.4% on Oct. 13 following news of the fatality and subsequent roller coaster closures.

Separately, Robbins LLP announced Oct. 29 that it is investigating whether certain Six Flags executives and directors violated securities laws or breached fiduciary duties to shareholders. Its announcement also referenced lawsuits alleging serious brain injuries involving X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, which permanently closed in September.

Oct. 27: Six Flags provides new details about safety review

Six Flags has provided additional details about the independent safety review announced following the fatal Goliath roller coaster accident.

Company spokesperson Kristin Fitzgerald told the Daily Herald that the review will examine inspection protocols, preventive maintenance, ride operating procedures, employee training, documentation and safety practices across the company’s attractions.

Fitzgerald said issues requiring immediate attention will be addressed as they are identified, without waiting for the company-wide review to conclude.

A timeline for completing the review has not been established.

Oct. 24: Six Flags identifies three coasters receiving seat belts

Six Flags spokesperson Kristin Fitzgerald confirmed to NBC News that Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois will receive supplemental seat belts.

The confirmation follows CEO John Reilly’s Oct. 23 announcement of new safety measures.

Oct. 23: CBS News source says bushings flagged in Goliath inspection were replaced

New reporting from CBS News provides additional context about a maintenance notation in Goliath’s March 16, 2026, state inspection report.

The inspection found no violations or deficiencies but included a note that bushings needed replacement. Bushings are mechanical components used to reduce friction and help keep moving parts properly positioned.

According to CBS News’ Oct. 22 investigation, an unnamed person familiar with Six Flags Over Georgia’s operations said the bushings identified in the inspection were located in the coaster’s bogie assemblies, which connect the ride vehicle to the track, and were unrelated to its passenger restraint system.

The source also said the bushings were replaced as recommended.

CBS also interviewed engineer Troy Richardson, who explained that bushings are used in several coaster components, including restraints and wheel assemblies. Richardson said investigators would likely examine whether the park followed the manufacturer’s maintenance and replacement instructions.

Family shares niece’s account of fatal Goliath incident

The family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem has shared additional details about the moments before his fatal fall from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.

His brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, told WSB-TV that his 13-year-old daughter was seated beside Kariem while celebrating her birthday. According to Nelson, his daughter reported that Kariem appeared to lose consciousness before his restraint seemed to come loose.

The family’s account has since been reported by ABC News nationally. Investigators have not confirmed what caused Kariem to fall, and the circumstances remain under investigation.

Live briefing notes — Oct. 16, approximately 2:23 p.m. ET

Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said Friday’s news conference was intended to provide a human perspective on the fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia and reassure the community that officials are taking the matter seriously.

Cupid emphasized that investigators need time and space to conduct their work without speculation. She said the county would share verified information when it becomes available while respecting the privacy of those affected.

No new investigative findings were announced during her opening remarks.

2:38 p.m. EDT, Oct. 16 — Cobb County officials address Goliath investigation ahead of Six Flags reopening

Asked what she would say to families considering visiting Six Flags Over Georgia following Monday’s tragedy, Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid emphasized the importance of safety and personal judgment.

Cupid explained that the state oversees amusement ride safety within the park. She encouraged parents, children and other guests to remain mindful of the fatal incident, consider their own experiences and pay attention to statements from the authorities responsible for park oversight when deciding whether to visit.

She said she wants people to enjoy themselves but emphasized that the decision to return belongs to each individual.

A few minutes later in the conference, when asked how officials can reassure families about safety at Six Flags Over Georgia, Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid emphasized that the county has limited authority over amusement ride safety.

Cupid said responsibility for evaluating the park’s ride equipment rests with Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, led by Commissioner John King.

Asked whether criminal charges could result from the fatal Goliath incident, Cobb County Deputy Chief Ballard said investigators do not yet have enough information to make that determination.

Ballard explained that any potential criminal findings would depend on what investigators establish about the circumstances of the incident, including whether intent was involved.

He said Cobb County police are currently assisting state investigators and indicated that the department’s investigation would conclude after the state’s investigation is completed.

Oct. 15, evening: Goliath inspection records noted bushings needing replacement

Newly obtained state inspection records show that inspectors noted bushings needing replacement on Goliath during its March 16, 2026, inspection, according to a Thursday evening report from WSB-TV.

The finding adds detail to an earlier statement from Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King, who said the inspection resulted in no reported violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags.

Bushings are mechanical components that help reduce friction and vibration. The records cited by WSB-TV do not establish where the affected bushings were located, whether they were associated with Goliath’s restraint system or whether they played any role in the Oct. 12 incident that killed Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem.

Inspection records from 2024 and 2025 also showed no reported violations.

Oct. 15: Mother reports restraint concerns before fatal Goliath incident

A mother who states her children rode Goliath approximately one hour before the fatal Oct. 12 incident has described a possible restraint problem, according to a new report from The Associated Press.

Erica Billups told the AP that her son and daughter encountered a restraint that repeatedly became unlocked as her son attempted to secure it. He moved to another seat, and the train reportedly departed with the original seat unoccupied and its restraint raised.

The account has not been independently verified by investigators, and officials have not determined whether a restraint malfunction contributed to Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem’s death.

Oct. 15, afternoon: State confirms Goliath passed March inspection without violations

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King confirmed Thursday that Goliath’s most recent state inspection took place March 16, 2026, with no violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags reported.

King said investigators are conducting an extensive examination of the roller coaster, its operations and relevant records to determine what happened during the Oct. 12 incident that killed Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem and injured four minors.

Under Georgia’s amusement ride safety regulations, an attraction involved in an accident resulting in a fatality or serious injury must remain out of service until the state completes its investigation.

The commissioner’s office will determine when and under what conditions Goliath may resume operations. No cause of the incident has been announced.

How often does Georgia inspect roller coasters?

Georgia regulations require stationary amusement rides to undergo state inspections at least annually, subject to temporary-permit provisions. Separately, state rules require rides to be inspected and tested by qualified personnel before operating each day.

Six Flags has also outlined its own inspection and maintenance procedures, including daily checks, test cycles and additional oversight from independent inspectors and corporate safety specialists.

Oct. 15: Six Flags Over Georgia changes Fright Fest show name ahead of reopening

Six Flags Over Georgia has changed the name of one of its Fright Fest entertainment offerings as the park prepares to reopen Friday, Oct. 16, following the fatal incident aboard Goliath.

The park’s official Fright Fest website now lists the production as “Dr. Fright’s Party,” replacing the previous title, “Dr. Fright’s Dead Man’s Party.” The updated description also emphasizes a Halloween celebration with entertainment and festive surprises for guests of all ages.

Six Flags has not publicly explained the name change or confirmed whether the show’s performances will be modified. It is also unclear whether the change is connected to the Oct. 12 incident.

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: 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.