Six Flags Over Georgia to reopen after Goliath roller coaster death

MABLETON, Ga. - State safety officials confirmed Thursday that the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia passed its yearly inspection in March with zero citations, days after a man died from falling off the ride. 

Georgia safety records released

What we know:

State regulatory records from the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner show the Goliath roller coaster underwent a yearly inspection in March. 

State records confirmed, "no violations, deficiencies, citations, or red tags were reported during that inspection."

Georgia Safety Chief John King said his office is reviewing evidence, equipment and documentation following the deadly incident. 

Hassan Kariem died Monday after falling from the attraction at Six Flags Over Georgia in Mableton, while four minors suffered injuries on the ride. 

Six Flags investigation details pending

What we don't know:

State officials have not determined what caused Kariem to fall from the ride carriage or revealed the extent of the injuries sustained by the four others. 

Regulators have also not announced when the Goliath roller coaster will be permitted to reopen. 

Representatives for Six Flags Over Georgia and the insurance commissioner have not answered inquiries regarding the specific status of their ongoing safety review. 

The amusement park and the ride manufacturer have not released findings explaining how the fall occurred. 

RELATED STORIES

• Family remembers man killed at Six Flags
• Coaster closures spread after fatal Six Flags Over Georgia incident
• Goliath coaster death triggers multi-state closure
• 9 coasters closed after fatal Six Flags Georgia incident
• Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath ride tragedy claims life
• Roller coaster safety expert discusses Six Flags tragedy
• Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath death: Witness describes tragic fall
• 'Sunshine of our family': Family remembers man killed at Six Flags
• Family of man killed on Six Flags Goliath warns against fake fundraisers

Former operator outlines coaster safety

The backstory:

Former ride operator Brycen Whatley, who worked at Six Flags Over Georgia from 2024 through 2025, expressed shock over the fatality. Whatley said, "It was pretty disturbing how somethjng that serious could happen." 

Whatley stressed that coaster mishaps are extraordinarily unusual, maintaining, "These type of accidents are very, incredibly rare." When asked about Goliath, Whatley emphasized, "It is incredibly safe," and added, "Yhey are incredibly safe." 

According to Whatley, employees undergo rigorous training before operating attractions. Whatley stated, "For an attendant, that’s everybody not at the main panel, they have to do at least 20 cycles—do it 20 times. And for the main operator, they have to do it 30." 

He also explained that attendants follow an extensive checklist before dispatching trains. Whatley said, "They do a thorough maintenance check and inspection of everything and all the components that go on with the ride-- the restraints, all the sensors, the brakes, the panel, the lift tow, the motor, they do an extensive check on everything." 

Whatley added that the control panel requires multiple physical confirmations before a coaster can depart. Whatley noted, "with each lap-bar restraint, it has to be down a certain amount before it’ll show green on the main panel. it is not able to leave the station unless all restraints are green. That means it has to get at least three clicks." 

Park visitors voice safety concerns

What they're saying:

Six Flags declined an on-camera interview but sent a written statement addressing the incident. The park stated, "Safety – is our highest priority. We are committed to rigorous ride inspection, maintenance, and safety procedures." 

Mixed emotions spread among visitors following the fatal incident. One park visitor voiced apprehension, noting, "My major concern is that it might happen again." 

Park visitor Jackie Smith said she has noticed issues during past visits and called for stricter oversight. Smith said, "They need to have better safety protocols. There's nowhere around that." 

"They need people that are qualified to make sure that the rides are locked," Smith said. "Because I've been there when the rides are not locking, but they don't let you get on there." 

"So if you're gonna ride the ride, they need to make sure people are really checking the safety protocols, but I would still go back," Smith said. "I mean, I like roller coasters, so I would definitely go back." 

Despite her past concerns, Smith reiterated, "I'll still go back." 

Grandfather Bernard Smith said he will not bring his grandchildren to the park "until you find out exactly what happened." 

Smith said the adults in his family are deliberately shielding the youngsters from the news. "Been shy away from it, they don't even know too much about it, you know what I'm saying," Smith said. 

"But the adults in the family, we've been talking about it," Smith added. 

Healthcare experts advise Cobb families

Why you should care:

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta urged parents to remain calm and anticipate questions without immediate answers when discussing the tragedy. The organization advised discovering what children already understand and keeping details simple and developmentally appropriate. 

Healthcare professionals also recommended validating children's emotions during difficult discussions. Youngsters should be encouraged to focus on what they can control by taking deep breaths and practicing safety measures. 

Cobb County prepares park reopening

What's next:

Six Flags Over Georgia reopens Friday at 6 p.m. for Fright Fest, though Goliath remains shut down under state regulations until the safety chief decides it can reopen. Outside the park fence, a car adorned with flowers and a balloon displays a tribute card reading, "Hoping time will do its part to ease the sorrow you're feeling." 

Cobb County Commission Chair Lisa Cupid will address the media Friday regarding the fatal incident. Independent investigations conducted by the state, the amusement park and the ride manufacturer remain ongoing. 

MabletonTheme ParksNewsHolidays