Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, remembered for years of service as investigators examine fatal fall
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MABLETON, Ga. — An Atlanta school community is mourning Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Black educator and technology professional who died Oct. 12 after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Cobb County police said preliminary witness and employee interviews indicated Kariem struck other passengers before falling beneath the attraction. Officers responded around 3:58 p.m. The department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating.
Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy for more than 12 years, serving as an information technology manager, technology teacher and robotics coach, according to the school. His death leaves students and colleagues grieving a familiar presence who helped connect education with technology.
“His love for Wesley, dedication to our students, and commitment to our school community were evident in everything he did,” the academy said in a statement reported by ABC News.
Kariem was visiting the park with relatives to celebrate his niece’s birthday, a family member told ABC News.
Students returned from fall break Oct. 19 to support from grief counselors and school counselors, WSB-TV reported.
“The kids are being cared for, and the teachers are being cared for,” Executive Director Jason Marshall told the station.
Georgia’s amusement ride safety agency and manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard are also investigating. Authorities have not established why Kariem came out of his seat or whether the restraint system contributed.
Six Flags temporarily closed nine additional roller coasters across six parks as a precaution. California’s separate Goliath attraction reopened Oct. 15 following a review, PEOPLE reported.
For Wesley’s students and families, the loss goes beyond questions about ride safety; it means losing an educator who spent years supporting their school.
Anyone with information can contact Cobb County investigators at 770-499-3945.