(SmyrnaVinings.News) — A 42-year-old Atlanta man died after being ejected from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, Oct. 12, Cobb County police confirmed.
Police identified the man as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. Investigators said information gathered through interviews with witnesses and employees indicated he struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction.
The department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating. Kariem’s next of kin has been notified.
What happened: Officers working at the park responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. to an incident involving a male guest on a roller coaster, identified in various reports as Goliath.
They found Kariem beneath the ride, unresponsive and not breathing. Officers immediately secured the scene and requested assistance from the Major Crimes Unit, police said.
The account of his ejection and contact with other patrons remains preliminary. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances.
The county’s response: In a separate statement, Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said one person had died, and several others were injured. Neither her statement nor the police account provided a count of the injured or details about their conditions.
Cupid expressed condolences to the deceased person’s family and concern for park visitors and employees. She said the county was working closely with Six Flags Over Georgia and other partners as the investigation proceeded.
What’s next: Investigators have not said what caused Kariem to be ejected from the ride. Police said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with information to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.
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