Latest Six Flags Over Georgia News | FOX 5 Atlanta

Six Flags Over Georgia announces new safety measures following deadly accident

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 09:33:12 -0400

AUSTELL, Ga. — Six Flags Over Georgia announced Friday it will install seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster and inspect attractions across the country following the death of 42-year-old Atlanta Public Schools employee Hassan Kariem.

Kariem died after falling from Goliath at the Austell amusement park, prompting safety reviews and the closure of several rides nationwide.

Six Flags safety changes

Theme park officials confirmed they are reinforcing precautions by adding seat belts to Goliath and other coasters featuring similar restraint designs. The company has hired independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to conduct a comprehensive audit of safety procedures across its entire ride portfolio.

The park system stated ride operators undergo a multi-stage training program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on drills and supervised experience. Over the past four years, park guests have taken more than one billion rides across all locations.

Corporate response to tragedy

"Our hearts remain with the family and loved ones of Hassan Kariem, those injured, and everyone impacted by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia," Six Flags Entertainment Corp. President and CEO John Reilly said in an online statement. "What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags."

Reilly pledged direct oversight during the ongoing review process. "I know trust is earned through actions and not words," Reilly said. "As CEO of Six Flags, I take that responsibility personally. We will continue to communicate about our progress and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments to you."

The information in this story was gathered from a public update published by Six Flags Entertainment Corp., which detailed executive statements and operational responses from President and CEO John Reilly.

Ongoing coaster death investigation

Investigators have not released the specific mechanical or operational factors that led to Kariem being thrown from the coaster. Theme park representatives have not announced a reopening date for Goliath or named the eight other affected attractions.

Authorities have not released details regarding the extent of injuries suffered by four other guests on the ride, all of whom are juveniles.

Remembering Kariem

Family members, friends and loved ones gathered on October 19, 2026 to celebrate the life of the Atlanta educator who died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Atlanta educator killed in Six Flags fall to be remembered

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 07:55:44 -0400

Family members, friends and loved ones will gather Oct. 19 to celebrate the life of an Atlanta educator who died one week ago after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Hassan Karim was visiting the amusement park to celebrate a family member's birthday when the deadly incident occurred.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at a mosque on Fayetteville Road in Atlanta.

The tragedy has raised questions about amusement park safety and prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Karim's death.

Six Flags plans to reopen this weekend

Six Flags Over Georgia will remain closed during the weekdays this week but is scheduled to reopen over the weekend. It will mark the park's second weekend of operations since the fatal incident.

The Goliath roller coaster remained closed when the park reopened Friday night.

Visitors expressed mixed reactions to the decision to resume operations so soon after the tragedy. Some questioned whether the park should have reopened, while others acknowledged the need for the business to continue operating.

"That man fell out of that ride. Something went wrong and somebody needed to be held responsible," one visitor said.

Another visitor said they were not opposed to the park reopening but believed additional safety measures were necessary.

"I really do feel like there does need to be a stricter, you know, rule system put into place," the visitor said.

State investigators examine roller coaster death

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is leading the investigation into the fatal incident.

The agency is responsible for inspecting amusement park rides across Georgia and ensuring they comply with state safety requirements.

According to the commissioner's office, the Goliath roller coaster passed its most recent inspection in March.

Investigators have not publicly announced what caused Karim to fall from the ride or whether any safety violations contributed to his death.

Family warns against unauthorized fundraisers

As the investigation continues, Karim's loved ones are warning the public about fundraising efforts that may be circulating in his name.

Family members say they have not authorized or established any fundraising campaigns, including GoFundMe accounts or other donation requests.

The family is urging anyone who wants to help to be cautious about requests for financial contributions purportedly benefiting Karim's loved ones.

The investigation remains ongoing as family members and friends prepare to honor the Atlanta educator's life.

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Six Flags Over Georgia: Goliath coaster stays closed as park reopens

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:18:23 -0400

Six Flags Over Georgia wrapped up its first night of Fright Fest after reopening Friday evening, operating with noticeably lighter crowds while the Goliath roller coaster stayed shut down following a man's fatal fall.

Six Flags park reopening

Six Flags Over Georgia opened its gates at 6 p.m. Friday for its annual Fright Fest celebration before concluding operations for the night.

Visitors and employees observed that crowds appeared smaller than usual across the property. Guests attending the seasonal event noted they could not stop thinking about 42-year-old Hassan Kariem and expressed deep sympathy for the victims.

Amusement rides throughout the grounds resumed regular activity during the evening hours. However, the Goliath hypercoaster remained completely shut down behind security barriers.

Cobb County tragedy investigation

Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and police leaders addressed the community at 2 p.m. Friday in the Board of Commissioners conference room in Marietta. Cupid described the tragedy as unimaginable and emphasized that the county's primary priority rests with those grieving.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Hassan Kareem, who just at 42 years old, according to reports, was an educator, an IT professional, someone who was beloved by his family and his students, and who was known to his community to be dedicated to his students as well," Cupid said. "My heart aches for him and his family who are going through this very terrible time."

"I also want to recognize, again, the pain of the people who were present, the guests who saw what happened in the Six Flags employees who were present in the worst moment of their working lives, and also to the members of our public safety who first responded to that tragedy," Cupid added. "And our entire community is still carrying the weight of this matter."

Cupid also spoke about the emotional and economic footprint of the park across the region. "Right now, though, our attention belongs to the people who were hurt and to the family that is still reeling by this very tragic incident that took place," she said.

When asked about the park reopening, Cupid urged caution and awareness among guests. "Yes we understand that they're reopening and that has been coordinated with the state we also know that there are a lot of questions still around what's taking place and just ask that people be sensitive to the information that's been put out by the park and also by the state and to use their their wisdom with respect to how they return to the park," Cupid said.

Cobb County Police Deputy Chief Ballard, joined by Capt. Dan's, outlined law enforcement's specific operational limits. "So our role in this investigation, we investigate all deaths in unincorporated Cobb County," Ballard said.

"However, we're only assisting the state in this investigation," Ballard said. "The state is the lead investigators in this case, because we don't have the authority to inspect or investigate machinery at theme parks."

"We do document our involvement in this case," Ballard added. "And if there are no criminal charges, we will close our case as soon as the state completes theirs."

"And that's basically our involvement, in this, case. Thank you," Ballard said.

Deadly roller coaster ejection

The tragedy occurred just before 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, when Kariem was thrown from the Goliath hypercoaster train. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, but the 42-year-old educator died from his injuries.

Four children riding the train suffered non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at area hospitals. Kariem's partner's niece, who sat directly beside him on the ride, was not physically hurt.

Loved ones remembered the Atlanta resident as the "sunshine of our family" and a "gentle giant" who loved cooking big pans of lasagna for family get-togethers. Kariem worked as an educator and information technology specialist at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta, survived lymphoma twice, and raised his partner's daughter as his own since she was 2 years old.

"Our whole family is devastated by this because it just happened out of the blue," his cousin Geo Ashe said. "You would never expect anything like that."

His cousin Marcus Ashe noted that Kariem was a man who "deserves the world," urging the public to remember his kindness rather than the shock of his death. The family pleaded with social media users to stop sharing footage of his final moments and warned against fraudulent online fundraisers created in his name.

State ride safety review

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King confirmed that state engineers and inspectors remain on-site examining Goliath's mechanical hardware, computerized sensors and maintenance logs. Regulators from the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire had evaluated the ride during a mandatory annual review on March 16, reporting zero citations, violations or mechanical red tags.

A former Six Flags operator previously called Goliath "incredibly safe" following the fatal fall. Under Georgia safety regulations, any attraction involved in a fatality or serious injury must remain secured and out of service until the state finishes an independent regulatory investigation.

Unanswered questions linger

Authorities have not determined what caused Kariem to be ejected from the moving hypercoaster train. Officials have not confirmed whether mechanical failure, operator error, computerized sensor issues or physical factors contributed to the fall.

Neither state regulators nor county officials have announced an estimated timeline for concluding their independent inquiries. Police also declined to share observations from an officer who was stationed on the ground when the fall occurred.

"Well, at this moment in time, we're not going to say what happened and what the person observed that day," Ballard said regarding the responding officer. "But we do have an amazing peer support in Chapsons program that basically deals with our officer wellness on our department. So that's all I can share at this moment in time."

Former Six Flags operator calls Goliath 'incredibly safe' after deadly ejection

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:47:44 -0400

State safety inspectors are examining maintenance logs and computerized restraint equipment on the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia after a man fell to his death Monday.

The coaster passed its most recent annual state review with zero infractions, leaving investigators and former ride workers searching for answers.

Six Flags Goliath inspection records

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner confirmed the Goliath coaster underwent a yearly check on March 16. Regulators found "no violations, deficiencies, citations, or red tags were reported during that inspection," according to state records.

Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath death: Witness describes tragic fall

First responders rushed to the Austell theme park at 3:58 p.m. on Monday after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was ejected from the train. Kariem fell into a wooded area below the track and died from his injuries.

Four other passengers, all children and teens, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and went to local hospitals. Kariem's partner's niece sat right beside him and was not physically hurt.

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Former operator details coaster safety

Former Six Flags ride operator Brycen Whatley worked at the park from 2024 through 2025 and operated Goliath in 2024. Whatley reacted with disbelief following the tragedy, saying, "I was shocked," and added, "I was just in shock."

"It was pretty disturbing how somethjng that serious could happen," Whatley said. "That’s a very tragic incident."

Whatley stressed that multiple layers of security protect riders on the track. "We had multiole different safety measures," Whatley explained, emphasizing, "we had both visual and mechanical safety measures."

"With each lap-bar restraint, it has to be down a certain amount before it’ll show green on the main panel," Whatley said.

"It is not able to leave the station unless all restraints are green," Whatley explained. "That means it has to get at least three clicks."

Whatley noted that operators confirm locks manually as well. "There is also a visual confirmation by where the restraint pivots . there’s also a little yellow line," he said, adding, "there is no way around it—even in maintenance mode, there’s no way around it."

Whatley detailed the locking hardware, explaining, "it’s like a gear and there’s a pin." When asked how safe the coaster is, Whatley replied, "they are incredibly safe," and added, "these type of accidents are very, incredibly rare."

Family of man killed on Six Flags Goliath warns against fake fundraisers

"Rollercoasters, they are controlled by computers 100-percent of the time," Whatley said. "The only thing that humans control is pressing the button to start the ride."

"That is the only thing that they control," Whatley noted. "It is incredibly safe."

When asked if the coaster was safe, Whatley affirmed, "yes, it was safe. Yes, it is safe."

Whatley also confirmed rigorous crew preparation. "We go through an extensive training period," Whatley said, noting, "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."

"We go through an extensive training period of exactly what to do and how to check restraints properly," Whatley stated. "Yes, they are trained properly."

Whatley also outlined daily upkeep schedules. "The rides are inspected multiple times a year," Whatley said, explaining, "every day, after maintenance takes it off, they are usually working through the night and early in the morning."

"They do a thorough maintenance check and inspection of everything and all the components that go on with the ride," Whatley added. "The restraints, all the sensors, the brakes, the panel, the lift tow, the motor, they do an extensive check on everything."

Park leadership declined an on-camera interview but sent a statement outlining their policies. "Safety is a our highest priority. We are committed to rigours ride inspection—maintenance and safety procedures," Six Flags stated.

Six Flags Over Georgia Park President Richard Pretlow separately addressed the situation in a written message. "Goliath remains temporarily closed. We do not have an anticipated reopening date at this time. I understand the concern surrounding this incident and appreciate the patience of our guests, season passholders, and community members," Pretlow said.

What happened at Six Flags Over Georgia?

Kariem worked as a devoted educator at Wesley International Academy and had survived cancer twice. Relatives remembered him as a "gentle giant" who helped raise his partner's daughter from age 2.

"Our whole family is devastated by this because it just happened out of the blue," his cousin Geo Ashe said. "You would never expect anything like that."

New details on riders hurt in Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath incident

His cousin Marcus Ashe described Kariem as a man who "deserves the world," urging the public to remember his generosity. The family urged people not to share online videos of Kariem's final moments and warned against unauthorized crowdfunding accounts.

In an earlier interview with TMZ, Whatley discussed pin-slipping, where components inside a restraint arm loosen, and claimed a lap bar could theoretically push open under extreme force. Whatley had emphasized that such an event is rare and unlikely, noting he was not at the park Monday and does not work for the official investigation.

Multi-state hypercoaster ride shutdowns

Following the fatal fall, Six Flags shut down Goliath alongside nine similar hypercoasters across the nation. The nationwide suspension includes the Raging Bull coaster at Six Flags Great America in Illinois.

The Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit is investigating the death alongside state regulators. The amusement park in Austell plans to welcome guests back Friday, while Goliath stays dark.

'Sunshine of our family': Family remembers man killed at Six Flags

Georgia state investigation findings

Investigators have not determined whether mechanical failure, sensor error, or physical factors caused Kariem to fall from the coaster. Officials have not released preliminary findings from their technical inspection.

Authorities have not revealed how long the on-site mechanical inspection of train cars, hydraulic systems, and lap-bar latches will take.

Theme park reopening timeline

Six Flags Over Georgia plans to reopen to guests this weekend, though the Goliath roller coaster will remain closed indefinitely. State officials confirmed the ride will remain secured and out of service until the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner completes its safety review and decides whether the ride meets the requirements to reopen.

The state safety office will have the final say on when Goliath can reopen to the public.

Six Flags Over Georgia to reopen after Goliath roller coaster death

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:51:40 -0400

A memorial of flowers and a balloon marks the fence at Six Flags Over Georgia as the Cobb County theme park prepares to reopen under the shadow of a fatal accident investigation. Gates will open Friday at 6 p.m. for Fright Fest, but the towering Goliath roller coaster will sit silent.

Six Flags park investigation

A card draped with a balloon and flowers rests on the fence outside Six Flags Over Georgia, offering a quiet tribute to Hassan Kariem. Kariem died earlier this week after falling from the Goliath roller coaster in an accident that also injured four children.

The card on the fence reads, "Hoping time will do its part to ease the sorrow you are feeling." The state, the amusement park and the ride manufacturer are actively investigating the scene to determine what caused the fatal fall.

Goliath ride status timeline

Park officials have not announced when the Goliath roller coaster will reopen to visitors. Inquiries sent to Six Flags Over Georgia and the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner regarding the status and procedures of the inspection have not yet received a response.

Officials have also not disclosed the specific mechanical or procedural factors that caused the fall. The current medical conditions of the four injured young riders have not been made public.

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Georgia park visitors react

Mixed emotions are gripping frequent visitors who are weighing family traditions against fresh safety fears. Grandfather Bernard Smith said he will not bring his grandchildren back, explaining, "Until you find out exactly what happened".

Smith noted that the family has shielded its youngest members from the news while adults discuss the tragedy. "Been shy away from it, they don't even know too much about it, you know what I'm saying. But the adults in the family, we've been talking about it," Smith said, adding, "My major concern is that it might happen again".

Jackie Smith, a grandmother and roller coaster fan, voiced serious concerns about ride locking systems. "They need to have better safety protocols. There's nowhere around that. They need to people that are qualified to make sure that the rides are locked. 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 make sure people are really checking the safety protocols, but I would still go back. I mean, I like roller coasters, so I would definitely go back," she said.

Children's Healthcare safety guidance

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta advises parents to wait until they feel calm before addressing tragic news with young family members. Caregivers should expect unexpected questions and should first ask children what information they already know.

Healthcare specialists recommend keeping details simple and developmentally appropriate while validating a child's emotions. Adults should encourage children to focus on what they can control, such as taking deep breaths and practicing everyday safety measures.

The Source The information in this story was gathered from FOX 5 reporter Kevyn Stewart, who reported from outside the park and conducted interviews with local parkgoers Bernard Smith and Jackie Smith, as well as published guidance from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and inquiries directed to Six Flags Over Georgia and the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

Cobb County prepares park reopening

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.

Family of man killed on Six Flags Goliath warns against fake fundraisers

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:40:13 -0400

Family members of an Atlanta educator killed at Six Flags Over Georgia are urging the public to avoid contributing to online accounts claiming to raise money in his honor.

The family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem said they are grateful for the support following his death, but they have not authorized any fundraisers.

Relatives asked the public not to donate to accounts set up in Kariem’s name and requested that people avoid viewing or sharing footage of his final moments online.

The family's full statement is below:

"The family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem thanks the public for its outpouring of love, prayers and support.

The family wishes to make clear that it has not authorized, and will not create or authorize at this time, any crowdfunding accounts, donation requests or fundraising appeals in his name. Please do not donate to requests posted in groups, on pages or through personal or professional accounts.

If his mother decides to establish a scholarship or fund in his honor, she will announce it publicly through her designated official representative.

Media outlets and content creators are asked to share this notice and respect the family's privacy as they grieve and prepare to move forward.

Again, the family thanks everyone for their support, respect and compassion.

- The Family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem"

Kariem, a beloved Atlanta Public Schools teacher at Wesley International Academy, was killed shortly before 4 p.m. Monday when he was ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster.

Detectives with the Cobb County Police Department's Major Crimes Unit are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly fall.

Relatives remembered him as a devoted family man dedicated to technology education and raising a young girl as his own.

Kariem grew up visiting the theme park every summer with his family.

His cousin, Geo Ashe, recalled family trips to their grandmother's house that always included visits to Six Flags Over Georgia.

The Goliath rollercoaster has been shut down temporarily following the fatal fall, though Six Flags Over Georgia plans to reopen Friday.

Six Flags Over Georgia Park President Richard Pretlow released the following statement on Wednesday regarding park operations:

"We were deeply saddened by the recent incident at the park. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the individual involved, their family, friends and loved ones. I also want to acknowledge the guests and team members affected by this tragic event and assure them they remain in our thoughts.

Our team responded immediately and cooperated fully with local authorities as they worked to understand what took place. Out of respect for the family's privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.

Goliath remains temporarily closed. We do not have an anticipated reopening date at this time.

I understand the concern surrounding this incident and appreciate the patience of our guests, season passholders and community members. We remain committed to providing safe, fun and memorable experiences.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time."

Similar rollercoasters across the country have also been shut down during the investigation.

Park visitor Brittany Landry said she was waiting in line for the Georgia Scorcher when she saw the incident happen on a portion of the track overhead.

"So, the track goes over the Georgia Scorcher and as we're standing there, and it's on the bunny hops and as we were standing there, you know, just waiting our turn, and we're just standing there and we just, I just look and because I'm watching the rise because that's the best part of the track, you know, and we'd just look, and I just see somebody fly out and just fly into the woods," Landry recalled.

Investigators have not released what caused Kariem to be ejected from the ride. Official findings regarding safety restraints and ride mechanics remain pending from Cobb County officials.

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Six Flags over Georgia death sparks clash in insurance commissioner race

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:39:59 -0400

The recent death at Six Flags Over Georgia took center stage during the state insurance commissioner debate, placing amusement ride safety oversight and consumer protections under intense scrutiny.

The tragedy prompted sharp exchanges between challenger Keisha Waites and incumbent John King over inspection rigor before both candidates sparred over rising insurance premiums.

Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath death

State safety regulators are investigating a fatal incident that occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County.

The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner oversees the inspection, permitting and regulation of all amusement parks across Georgia.

State inspectors examined every ride at the park before the season began several months ago. Regulators are currently onsite conducting interviews and examining physical evidence alongside Cobb County police and fire officials.

Details on park incident

Officials have not disclosed whether any mechanical failure occurred on the roller coaster or if recent inspection timelines contributed to the tragedy.

FOX 5 Atlanta has requested the state's inspection records of the Goliath ride, but those copies have not yet been provided as of Wednesday evening.

Waites demands ride reinspections

Waites argued that state regulators must intervene immediately before the venue welcomes visitors for scheduled operations on Friday.

"It's my understanding that the park is planning to open on Friday, and prior to that opening, I would ensure that all of the amusement park rides have been inspected thoroughly," Waites said.

Waites also called for a thorough review of past park safety challenges to ensure similar tragedies do not happen again.

King defends state inspections

King rejected claims of regulatory failure, emphasizing that professional state inspectors completed comprehensive reviews on every ride before the operational season opened.

He stated that with the tragedy occurring barely 24 hours prior, speculating on causes before gathering physical evidence would be irresponsible.

"We deal with facts," King said. "We're going to conduct this incredibly thorough review, working very closely, not only with Cobb County, but Cobb County Fire, Cobb County Police, and working very closely with our partners."

King expressed confidence in the ongoing inspection process and said he looks forward to verifying that park attractions remain safe for the public.

Georgia insurance rates clash

The debate widened into a broader clash over surging automobile, health and property insurance costs across Georgia.

Waites criticized King's seven-year record, arguing that policyholders face unaffordable premiums, policy cancellations and slow storm claim responses following Hurricane Helene.

King argued that his office has fought aggressive carriers, securing more than $100 million in consumer refunds and issuing unprecedented regulatory fines.

King also noted that 41 insurance companies recently reduced their rates after state lawmakers passed tort reform legislation in 2025.

Election Day approaches Georgia

Six Flags Over Georgia plans to operate on Friday while state and Cobb County officials continue their joint investigation into the fatality.

Early voting runs across Georgia through Friday, Oct. 30, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath death: Witness describes tragic fall

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:43:48 -0400

A witness who was at Six Flags Over Georgia with his child said he saw Hassan Kariem come out of his seat and fall from the Goliath roller coaster near the end of the ride.

"You know, his body motion went forward and then he came down head first back into the roller coaster car," Nick Mendenhall said. As the coaster rounded a left turn before returning to the loading area, he said, "I saw him come out and off the ride altogether."

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW

Kariem, 42, was visiting the park Monday with his partner and her family. His family said his niece was riding with him when he was ejected from the coaster. She was not injured.

Kariem was a teacher and worked in information technology at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta. His family described him as passionate about teaching and technology, and said he loved his partner and her daughter, whom he raised as his own. He also enjoyed debating and cooking lasagna for family dinners, they said. Kariem had survived cancer twice.

The family asked people to remove videos and images of the incident from social media, saying that seeing them adds to their pain.

Six Flags has temporarily closed nine similar coasters at parks across the U.S. and Canada in response to Kariem’s death.

Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, which oversees annual ride inspections, said investigators are conducting an "in-depth and comprehensive review" of what happened.

Amusement ride safety expert Brian Avery told FOX 5 Atlanta that the incident could prompt riders to reconsider amusement park rides and the industry to assess its safety standards. Major amusement park rides in the United States are regulated by states, not the federal government.

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Coaster closures spread after fatal Six Flags Over Georgia incident

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:06:45 -0400

Several theme parks have paused or reviewed coaster operations after a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. A metro Atlanta man died and four others were injured in the incident on Monday involving the park’s Goliath coaster. The cause remains under investigation.

SeaWorld Orlando temporarily closed Mako, a 200-foot-tall coaster made by the same manufacturer as Georgia’s Goliath, according to News 6 Orlando.

The park said it took the step as a precaution and is consulting with industry partners. It has not announced when Mako will reopen.

Montreal’s La Ronde also closed its Goliath while it reviews the ride with its manufacturer. The park said the coaster will remain shut until it is confident it can operate safely.

Separately, Six Flags temporarily closed nine coasters across six of its parks, including Behemoth and Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland.

Other parks review operations

Hersheypark is evaluating Candymonium, another coaster built by the same manufacturer.

The park has said it is consulting with experts and will decide on ride operations before reopening to the public; it has not announced a separate closure of the coaster.

At Kings Dominion, two coasters made by the same manufacturer—Dominator and Rapterra—are different ride types from the Georgia hypercoaster, and no incident-related closures have been reported, according to Axios.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has also not confirmed a closure of Apollo’s Chariot. The park says it conducts regular inspections and works with manufacturers and safety experts.

What the coaster terms mean

The parks’ rides fall into several design categories. These labels describe a coaster’s height or seating style; sharing a category or manufacturer does not mean two rides are identical.

Hypercoaster: Generally a steel coaster more than 200 feet tall, built for speed and airtime. Goliath, Mako and Candymonium are examples.

Giga coaster: A coaster with a height or drop of at least 300 feet. Orion, Fury 325 and Leviathan fit this category.

Floorless coaster: Riders sit above the track with no floor beneath their feet. Dominator at Kings Dominion is this type.

Wing coaster: Seats extend on either side of the track, leaving riders’ feet dangling and creating an open, flying sensation. Rapterra at Kings Dominion is a wing coaster.

Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia is a hypercoaster. It opened on April 1, 2006, and is 200 feet tall with a drop of 175 feet. It reaches a top speed of 70 miles per hour and the track is 4,480 feet. According to its description, the coaster has a "thrill level" of 4.

Six Flags Goliath coaster death: Georgia investigators probe fatal ejection

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:19:30 -0400

A day of fun turned into tragedy Monday when 42-year-old Hassan Kariem died after being ejected from the 200-foot Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Goliath ride investigation

Cobb County authorities and state officials are investigating the fatal incident on the Goliath hypercoaster.

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King confirmed state inspectors are on the ground examining equipment and coordinating with park leadership.

Following the death of 42-year-old Hassan Kariem, Six Flags immediately evacuated the Cobb County park and shut down nine similar roller coasters at its locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Safety and liability analysis

Attorney James Murray, who previously represented a woman critically injured by a flying metal part on the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point, noted that state, park, and manufacturer inspectors face a complex review process.

"They'll look at the park, were they following the proper safety protocols. Were the employees following the proper safety protocols," Murray said. "They'll also look at the manufacturer of the ride. Was there a design defect, was there a manufacturing defect, all that would be in play."

Murray added that park leadership must examine every similar attraction nationwide to verify safety. "They're going to look at every ride, make sure this is not a problem across their parks or their similar rides," he said.

Park safety history

Cedar Point, one of the nation's oldest theme parks, recently joined the same parent company operating Six Flags after a corporate merger. In the Ohio incident, Murray's client suffered critical injuries while waiting in line.

"My client was standing in line for a ride when she was hit by the metal plate that became detached from the coaster, was moving approximately 100 miles per hour, struck her in the head," Murray said.

Cedar Point parent company Cedar Fair settled that case for an undisclosed amount. Murray emphasized that families going through theme park tragedies face an excruciating wait for answers during multi-agency probes.

Cause remains under review

Investigators have not released details regarding what caused Kariem to be ejected from the attraction. Official reports have not indicated whether the incident stemmed from mechanical failure, restraint malfunction, or operator error. Park officials have not announced a timeline for when Goliath or the nine paused roller coasters across North America will reopen.

Six Flags closes 9 more coasters after fatal Georgia incident

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:46:45 -0400

Six Flags has temporarily closed nine additional roller coasters across six of its parks after one person died and four others were injured in an incident at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday.

ORIGINAL STORY: Six Flags Over Georgia: Witnesses describe horror as rider falls from Goliath coaster

The company said it closed similar attractions "out of an abundance of caution." It did not identify the rides or parks affected.

The closed coasters are:

Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Lake County, Illinois
Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles County, California
Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey
Leviathan and Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland in Ontario, Canada
Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina
Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio

Investigation underway

The incident happened shortly before 4 p.m. Monday. Cobb County police Major Crimes Unit detectives are investigating, and state officials are also involved, according to the report.

Officials have not released the person’s name or confirmed how the person died. They also have not disclosed the conditions of the four injured people. Six Flags has not identified the coaster involved. Witness accounts and video showed riders being evacuated from Goliath, the park’s 200-foot-tall coaster that reaches speeds of up to 70 mph.

A rider told FOX 5 Atlanta the train stopped while it was on the lift hill. Witnesses described seeing someone fall from the ride, but the cause remains under investigation.

Other ride incidents

The Doan Law Firm, which tracks amusement park accidents and represents victims, says the death would be at least the seventh at Six Flags Over Georgia.

The firm’s count includes a 2006 death after a man suffered a heart attack on a coaster and a 2008 incident in which a teenager entered a restricted area and was struck by a coaster while trying to retrieve a hat.

The Georgia incident also comes less than two weeks after Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announced it would retire its X2 coaster following lawsuits alleging riders suffered serious brain injuries.

The park settled a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of a 22-year-old man who died after riding X2 in 2022.

Separately, a woman is suing Universal Orlando, alleging her son hit his head and lost consciousness while riding Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. She is seeking payment for his past and ongoing medical bills.

A recent industry report estimated 652 roller-coaster injuries across fixed-site attractions in the U.S. and Canada in 2024; a current U.S.-only annual death count is not available.

Six Flags stock falls

Six Flags Entertainment shares fell more than 10% in after-hours trading Monday following the fatal incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County.

The stock closed the regular session at $11.92, up 4.43%, but dropped to $10.69 by 7:58 p.m. Eastern, a decline of 10.34%. By 8:39 p.m., shares had recovered slightly to $10.87, still down 8.8%. The stock has fallen 22% since the start of the year and was trading near its 52-week low of $10.45.

The Cobb County Police Department is conducting an investigation into the incident along with state safety officials.

FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out to the Goeria Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's office requesting the inspection records for the ride.

Six Flags Over Georgia: Witnesses describe horror as rider falls from Goliath coaster

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:47:38 -0400

Cobb County emergency crews rushed to Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday afternoon after an incident on the Goliath roller coaster left one person dead and several others injured.

Police are investigating the deadly fall at the theme park, where shaken witnesses watched a rider fly from the ride into nearby woods.

The park was evacuated shortly after the incident.

Goliath ride incident in Mableton

Officers assigned to Six Flags Over Georgia responded to an emergency call at approximately 3:58 p.m. on Monday.

Cobb County police confirmed that several people reported injuries and one person died during the incident involving a roller coaster.

Detectives with the department's Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

Witnesses reported seeing the person fall from a moving roller-coaster car.

Georgia inspectors on site

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is responsible for the inspection of rides in the Peach State. Commissioner John F. King, speaking with FOX 5 Atlanta reporter Annie Mapp, said:

"Safety inspectors and investigators are on the ground examining the equipment and working with park officials and public safety officials in Cobb County."

FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out to the commissioner's office requesting the inspection records for the ride.

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Witnesses describe Goliath fall

Brittany Landry of Winder said she was standing in the back row waiting to board the Georgia Scorcher when she looked up at the passing Goliath coaster train.

"Well, we didn't even know, so we were just trying to figure out how we're going to play in the last two hours because there's two hours left. We're still trying to squeeze dinner in, and we were making arrangements and some of the lines were getting really long, so we're like, you know, let's go."

"The Goliath hasn't had a long line all day because you have to be so many inches to ride it, you now? And so, I was like, let' go down, we'll go down by the Georgia Scorcher and the Twisted Cyclone, see if those lines are long, No, we'll come back."

"We'll ride the Goliath again. And we went down to the Georgia Scorcher and the line wasn't long, so we got in it."

"And that's when it happened. So, the track goes over the Georgia scorcher and as we're standing there, and it's on the bunny hops and as we were standing there, you know, just waiting our turn, and we're just standing there and we just, I just look and because I'm watching the rise because that's the best part of the track, you know, and we'd just look, and I just see somebody fly out and just fly into the woods."

"And they were just like, ‘Oh my God, somebody flew off’ and the kids next to us took off running and my son took off to go check, but the woods are all blocked off. And I wasn't sure because I was like, that's not what happened, that's what I saw."

"Maybe somebody had a bag or something. And so, we finished what we were doing, and we were free to go."

"I ran, and I checked, and I was absolutely right. I knew what I just saw."

"Yes ma'am, I knew we saw. I don't know."

Landry estimated that the coaster was approximately 150 feet away when the rider fell into the wooded area below.

"We were on there and all my kids are in the car and coming home with me today. I don't know for sure if it was a kid or an adult because it was probably about 150 feet away and then up when it happened."

"So, it was just an object, you know, you could see it was an human-formed object just flying. And so, I don't know, but I know that we're all making it home today and we're all, we're okay."

Landry broke down in tears as she processed what she had witnessed after riding the attraction earlier in the day.

"I broke down. I just broke down, yeah."

"I broke because we were just on there. We were just, we were on there."

"There's size restrictions, you know, if you're too small or too big, you can't get on there and the person that flew."

"I mean, we've always felt kind of like we were safe. It's an adventure."

"It is an adrenaline junkie move, you know? It's what you do."

"You go to ride roller coaster to get the adrenaline rush, but you always expect to get back. You don't expect to not come home."

"I'm sorry for whoever that was. I'm so sorry that happened to you today."

"I'm sorry it could have been any of us. I'm so sorry."

Another guest, Deysi Gonzalez, was waiting in the second-to-last row of the Georgia Scorcher line with her brother and mother when other visitors reacted in shock.

"So at first, before anything really happened, we were enjoying our day. We had just got [my] little man on the Goliath."

"So, it was his first time on the Goliath and then, after that, we got on the Batman and everything. We were just having fun, and we were gonna go get, we were going to go to the Goliath after getting or after getting off a different ride."

"And so, my mom was like, hey, let's go do this instead because we were going to get dinner next. And so we were walking to the other side of the park, and we were waiting in line for the Georgia Scorcher and we were up next."

"And we were like second to last row. And me and my brother were just standing there watching the Goliath go by."

"And then I looked over to the ride, and so I got distracted. I didn't even see anybody fly out."

"But the person next to us were like, oh, oh no, no, I'm getting out of this line. Somebody just fell off of the Goliath."

"And so I looked and everybody's just running over there to the woods and everything. So my brother, being the nosy kid he is, he runs off to the woods to go see what happened."

"And then he comes back. He's like, I think somebody just fell off the ride."

"I think just somebody just fall off a ride. It wasn't the bag or anything."

"I think someone just fell off the ride and then, so we finished, we got on the Georgia Scorcher. We were just doubting ourselves, like saying that nobody fell off of the right."

"And as soon as we got off, we were walking that way to the Goliath to see what happened and somebody confirmed that somebody had fell off."

Prior to the incident, Gonzalez said she felt completely safe on the rides.

"I felt really safe, like I was perfectly fine and everything, I was enjoying my time," Gonzalez said.

Offering sympathy to the victim's loved ones, Gonzalez added, "I feel really bad for the people whose family that is."

When asked whether she would return to the park in the future, Gonzalez said, "Probably, but I don't really know if I want to."

Park and city official reaction

Six Flags Over Georgia is located in Mableton, though it carries an Austell mailing address at 275 Riverside Parkway SW, Austell, GA 30168.

City of Mableton Mayor Michael Owens issued a statement addressing the tragedy.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Six Flags Over Georgia today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the individual’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," Owens said.

"Mableton Public Safety Director Dr. Kerry Stallings is coordinating with Cobb County Police and park security as the situation is addressed," Owens added.

"We are grateful to the personnel responding to this incident and will continue to support coordination with the appropriate authorities. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, we will refrain from commenting further at this time."

A spokesperson for Six Flags Over Georgia, Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags White Water also released a statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones," the park spokesperson said.

"We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected," the spokesperson continued.

"The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time."

Lisa Cupid, the Cobb County Commission Chair, released the following statement:

"A terrible tragedy occurred today at Six Flags Over Georgia. One person has died, and others were injured. It is my understanding that next of kin have been notified.

"Cobb County Police officers responded immediately, and detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. The County is working closely with Six Flags Over Georgia and other appropriate partners as the investigation proceeds.

"I cannot imagine the horror the patrons and employees witnessed today, and my heart aches for the family who lost a loved one. Additional information will be released by law enforcement as it is confirmed.

"Six Flags Over Georgia is a significant part of our tourism landscape, drawing visitors from across our county, our state, and the Southeast. I look forward to learning more as the investigation unfolds.

"In the meantime, please keep in your thoughts the family of the deceased, those who were injured, the employees and leadership of Six Flags, and our community. We are all grappling with how something so devastating could happen at a place that has given generations of families such happy memories."

Recent roller coaster incidents

This death would be at least the seventh at the Georgia park, including one in 2006 in which a man had a likely heart attack on the Goliath coaster, according to the Doan Law Firm, whose practice areas include amusement park accidents.

Last month, Six Flags Magic Mountain, in Southern California, announced that it was retiring its famous X2 roller coaster amid lawsuits alleging serious brain injury caused by the ride. Six Flags recently settled a wrongful-death lawsuit from the family of a 22-year-old man who died after riding the coaster in 2022, and three more lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries were filed last week.

Last year, a 32-year-old man died after riding a high-speed roller coaster at the Universal Epic Universe theme park in Florida. He died from blunt impact injuries and his death was ruled accidental.

Similar coasters now closed

Six Flags officials say that the Goliath and similar attractions at their properties are closed until further notice:

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks. The safety of our guests and team members remains one of our highest priorities."

FOX 32 Chicago confirmed that the Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America is among those closed.

Background on hypercoaster attraction

Goliath stands 200 feet tall and operates as a hypercoaster reaching maximum speeds of 70 mph.

Riders plunge down an initial 170-foot drop before ascending and diving into another 175-foot drop.

The attraction features a 12-story drop, a 540-degree spiral, razor-sharp turns and colossal bunny hop hills.

Riders experience gravitational forces reaching up to 4 Gs as the train travels along the course.

Ongoing Cobb County investigation

Cobb County Police Department investigators are leading the investigation into the incident. Both park representatives and city leaders stated they are refraining from further comment out of respect for the family's privacy as police complete their investigation.

Horror movies come to life at Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:29:12 -0400

We’re big fans of "The Conjuring" and its terrifying sequels around here. But starring in one? Well, that wasn’t exactly on our 2026 bingo cards!

Thanks to the return of Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia, brave visitors can scream their way through horror movie-inspired experiences including "The Conjuring Universe" and "SAW: Legacy of Terror" — not to mention a series of haunted mazes, scare zones, and live shows. New attractions this year include Finklestein's House of Fun presented by SKITTLES, which takes guests into a decaying carnival funhouse, and Infestation presented by SNICKERS. Spoiler alert: Don’t enter the latter if you’re afraid of spiders, roaches, and rats!

And no worries if you’ve got some little trick-or-treaters who want to experience some Halloween fun. The family-friendly Tricks & Treats event will take over the park during daytime hours on Saturdays and Sundays through November 1st, giving young visitors a chance to meet characters, enter costume contests, and even some trick-or-treating!

Fright Fest opened September 12th and operates on select nights through November 1st. For more information on dates and admission, click here. And click the video player in this article to check out our morning exploring this year’s terrifying event…if you dare!