Teacher who fell to his death from Six Flags roller coaster was celebrating niece’s birthday, as crisis expert slams park bosses for their silence on horrific tragedy
Hassan Kariem, 42, died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday. He had been at the park to celebrate his fiancée’s niece’s 13th birthday; the incident has prompted an investigation and renewed questions about ride safety and how the company is communicating with those affected.
A crisis management expert criticised Six Flags executives for not providing more information, urging senior leaders to address Kariem’s family and issue regular updates. The company said it was co-operating with local authorities and supporting people affected. Eleven roller coasters across North America were temporarily closed as a precaution, including Goliath, which reaches 70mph and rises more than 200 feet.
- Hassan Kariem died after falling from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.
- He was celebrating his fiancée’s niece’s 13th birthday.
- Eleven similar rides were closed as a precaution.
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Six Flags Over Georgia is a theme park near Atlanta, in the US state of Georgia. Its Goliath ride is a large roller coaster, with steep drops and high speeds; rides like this are subject to safety rules and inspections.
When someone dies at an amusement park, local authorities may investigate what happened, while the park and ride operator may also review safety procedures. The findings can affect whether a ride reopens and whether other parks take precautions.
The incident has also drawn attention to how companies communicate after a serious accident. Families and other people affected may seek clear information, while investigators work to establish the facts.