Officials say investigation into Six Flags roller coaster death continues as the park prepares to reopen
ATLANTA (ANF/Gray News) — Six Flags Over Georgia reopens on Friday, less than a week after a man died falling off a roller coaster at the park.
The park will be open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for Fright Fest, a Halloween-themed event, as originally scheduled. Goliath, the roller coaster on which the accident happened, will remain closed.
On Monday, 42-year-old Hassan Kariem was ejected from the ride, hitting and injuring several other patrons before the fall, according to Cobb County police. His body was found underneath the roller coaster, and the park was evacuated.
Kariem’s niece was on the ride next to him, according to his brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson. Nelson said that Kariem’s restraint came undone as the ride dropped.
Cobb County and police officials on Friday said no new investigative findings were going to be announced but said the investigation into what happened is ongoing.
Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said the investigation into the accident is a priority for the county.
“Right now, our attention belongs to the people who were hurt,” Cupid said.
Cobb County police said they are assisting the state in its investigation. Police reported that the state is looking into the maintenance of the roller coaster. Cobb County police said if there are no criminal charges, the department’s case will close when the state finishes its investigation.
As the park prepares to reopen, park management called safety its highest priority.
In a statement released on Friday, Six Flags Over Georgia Park President Richard Pretlow said the park is “deeply saddened” by the death.
“As efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident continue, we remain focused on supporting those affected and maintaining the safe operation of our park and attractions,” he said. “All other rides and attractions that were scheduled to operate will be available to guests, subject to normal operating conditions and availability.”
He added that millions of people safely enjoy rides and other attractions at Six Flags parks every year.
“While serious incidents of this nature are exceedingly rare, we never take responsibility to our guests for granted and remain committed to continuous learning and improvement,” Pretlow said.
Documents from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire show the Goliath roller coaster passed its inspections from 2016 to 2026, with its most recent inspection in March noting only that “bushings” needed replacing. Ride manufacturers describe bushings as equipment that reduces friction and absorbs shock between the ride’s metal parts.
Earlier reports in 2016 and 2019 noted some corrosion and rust on parts of the ride, which records show were addressed.
Six Flags has also temporarily shut down nine rides across six parks that are similar to Goliath, which uses a lap restraint.
As park officials plan to reopen, some park-goers have overarching concerns about safety in the park.
Billy Giles said resuming operations so soon after a fatal incident leaves him questioning whether profits are taking priority over guest safety.
“I think it’s very inconsiderate. I don’t think they’re taking into account the family’s feelings. Not even just that family, everyone else in the Atlanta area who might be considering going to the park or who have even said I’m not going to the park at all,” he told ANF. “To see it open, I think that’s probably a bad look.”
Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John King said his office is investigating the death. Inspectors have been on the ground looking at “every nook and cranny,” he added.
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