Six Flags Over Georgia Reopens Days After Fatal Goliath Fall as Investigations Continue

Six Flags Over Georgia reopened on Friday, less than a week after a man died in a fall from the Goliath roller coaster. The park welcomed visitors from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Fright Fest, its Halloween-themed event, which went ahead as originally scheduled. Goliath, the ride where the accident occurred, remains closed.

According to Cobb County police, 42-year-old Hassan Kariem was ejected from the coaster on Monday. Police said he struck and injured several other patrons before falling. His body was found beneath the ride, and the park was evacuated.

Joshua Nelson, Kariem's brother-in-law, said Kariem's niece was seated on the ride next to him. Nelson said Kariem's restraint came undone as the coaster dropped.

The investigation into what happened is continuing. County and police officials said on Friday that no new findings would be announced. Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said the inquiry is a county priority, adding, "Right now, our attention belongs to the people who were hurt." Police said that if no criminal charges are filed, their case will close once the state completes its own investigation. Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John King said his office is investigating and that inspectors have been examining "every nook and cranny."

Six Flags has temporarily shut down nine rides across six parks that are similar to Goliath, which uses a lap restraint. Park management described safety as its highest priority.

In a statement, Park President Richard Pretlow said the park is "deeply saddened" by the death and remains focused on supporting those affected and on safe operation of its attractions. He said all other rides scheduled to operate would be available, subject to normal operating conditions and availability. Pretlow noted that millions of people ride safely at Six Flags parks every year and that "serious incidents of this nature are exceedingly rare."

Records from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire show Goliath passed its inspections from 2016 to 2026. The most recent one, in March, noted only that "bushings" needed replacing. Ride manufacturers describe bushings as components that reduce friction and absorb shock between a ride's metal parts. Earlier reports from 2016 and 2019 noted corrosion and rust on some parts of the ride, which records show were addressed.

Kariem taught at Wesley International Academy, a K-8 charter school in Atlanta, where he was described as beloved. The school said grief counseling and other emotional support services will be available on campus starting Monday. "Together, we will navigate this loss while honoring the lasting impact Mr. Kariem had on our school," the academy said.

Some members of the public questioned the decision to reopen so soon. Billy Giles told Atlanta News First he wondered whether profits were being put ahead of guest safety, calling the reopening "very inconsiderate" to the family and to others in the Atlanta area who may now be avoiding the park. "To see it open, I think that's probably a bad look," he said.