The family of a man killed on a Six Flags roller coaster has shared his final words as the Georgia park reopened just days after the fatal fall.
Hassan Kariem, 42, died on October 12 after being ejected from the Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell. His brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, told Atlanta News First that Kariem had been seated beside Nelson’s daughter when the tragedy unfolded.
Nelson said his daughter called him distraught after getting off the ride.
“I don’t know where he went,” she reportedly said.
Nelson revealed Kariem’s last moments to the outlet. “His last words were to my daughter and they were, ‘This is my favorite ride, I’m so excited to be here’,” he said.
Kariem had come to the park with his wife, daughter, and niece to celebrate a birthday. Nelson described him as a devoted father and Atlanta enthusiast. “He loved everything about Atlanta. He loved kids. He loved technology,” he shared.
The Cobb County Police Department issued a statement after the incident. “Officers working at the park responded to an incident involving a male guest on a rollercoaster,” officials said. “Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interview indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction.”
Four other riders were injured in the incident.
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner noted that Goliath was last inspected in March and showed no warning signs at that time.
The park temporarily closed following the death but reopened to visitors on October 16. The Goliath coaster itself remains shut pending further notice.
Nelson said the family is awaiting investigation findings before laying Kariem to rest. “We’re banding together and once the investigation is done, give him the proper send off,” he added.
Elicia Day, a friend of the family, gave a statement to WSB-TV expressing their grief. “We’re absolutely devastated by this loss, any loss of a family member or friend is tragic but to lose him in this manner, this way it is beyond words can even express,” she said.
Kariem worked as an IT manager at Wesley International Academy, where he was described as a “cherished member.” Atlanta Public Schools issued its own statement extending “deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Kariem.”
The death prompted Six Flags to temporarily close nine roller coasters across North America as a precautionary measure, though most have since resumed operation.
Kariem had survived a car fire just weeks before his death on the coaster, according to WSB-TV.
The reopened park continues to operate without the Goliath ride while investigations by Cobb County police and state safety officials remain ongoing.