Six Flags Over Georgia reopening Friday while Goliath coaster stays shut after rider's death

Six Flags Over Georgia plans to resume operations Friday as scheduled, but its Goliath roller coaster will stay closed after a 42-year-old Atlanta man died Monday when police say he was thrown from the ride, according to ABC13 Houston and other ABC stations.

A park spokesperson told ABC News on Wednesday that no date has been set for Goliath to reopen. The park in Austell, west of Atlanta, is currently open only on weekends, the outlets reported.

The Cobb County Police Department identified the man as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. Based on early interviews with witnesses and employees, police said Kariem was ejected from the coaster, hit other riders, and then fell beneath the ride, ABC7 New York reported. A police incident report said he was found on top of a building within the park with fatal injuries.

Four juveniles were hurt and taken to local hospitals by ambulance, police said Wednesday. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening. Police said they would not release further information about them because they are minors.

A relative told ABC News that Kariem had come to the park with family members to mark his niece's birthday and was seated next to her on the coaster when he was ejected.

Kariem was an employee of Atlanta Public Schools, according to ABC7 Chicago. Wesley International Academy said he had worked there for more than 12 years as its IT manager, a technology teacher and the robotics coach.

Cobb County police said Tuesday their investigation into what happened is ongoing. Georgia's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, which oversees amusement ride safety in the state, is also investigating. Garrison Bennett, the agency's press secretary, said in a Tuesday statement that investigators are carrying out "an in-depth and comprehensive review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident," as reported by 6abc Action News.

Six Flags said in a statement that park staff and local authorities responded right away, that the company is cooperating with investigators, and that it is offering support to guests and employees affected. The company also expressed condolences to Kariem's family.

As a precaution, Six Flags has also temporarily closed similar rides at other parks, the company said. According to the ABC reports, nine comparable hypercoasters at six theme parks across North America have been shut in addition to Goliath.

Goliath opened at the park in 2006. According to the park's website, the coaster climbs to 200 feet and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph.

Compiled by True News from reporting by ABC13 Houston, 6abc Action News, ABC7 New York and ABC7 Chicago. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/134