Fatal Six Flags Georgia Ride: 9 Coaster Closures Explained

A fatal rollercoaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday, October 12, 2026, has led to the temporary closure of nine similar roller coasters across six amusement parks in five U.S. states and Canada. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator and IT manager, died after being ejected from the 200-foot Goliath hypercoaster in Austell, Georgia. Four minors were also injured, renewing scrutiny of roller coaster restraint failures during the busy Halloween season.

What happened on the Goliath roller coaster?

Goliath, a Bolliger & Mabillard steel hypercoaster that opened in April 2006, climbs 200 feet and reaches 70 mph along about 4,480 feet of track. Riders are secured only by individual clamshell-style lap bars, with no secondary seat belt. Witnesses told WXIA that a man fell around 4 p.m., struck cars multiple times and landed on a haunted house roof; responders found Kariem unresponsive and not breathing at about 3:58 p.m.

Kariem worked for more than 12 years as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta. He was celebrating the 13th birthday of his fiancée's niece, who was seated beside him, and colleagues remembered him as a patient and inspiring educator, according to CNN.

The ejection follows the permanent closure of X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain after earlier deaths, intensifying debate over amusement park safety regulations.

Which Six Flags rides closed and why

Six Flags closed nine coasters 'out of an abundance of caution,' mostly B&M hypercoasters reaching 200 to 300 feet:

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

Magic Mountain's Goliath, built by Giovanola rather than B&M, was the only non-B&M ride and reopened October 16, according to Attractions Magazine. CEO John Reilly said seat belts will be added to Goliath at Over Georgia and similar-restraint rides including Raging Bull and Nitro.

Investigation and safety oversight

Cobb County Police's Major Crimes Unit and the Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire are investigating, and manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard is reviewing the incident. Goliath passed its most recent theme park safety inspection in March 2026 with no violations, but ride safety expert Brian Avery told PEOPLE that Goliath lacks a redundant safety belt. 'When you have a single point of failure in a restraint system, the margin for error is thin,' Avery said, adding the likely cause is an operational, maintenance or design-related failure. Consultant Ken Martin urged officials to review maintenance logs, sensor data and passenger limits before drawing conclusions.

Impact on Halloween operations and guests

Six Flags Over Georgia reopened October 16, but Goliath remains closed indefinitely under Georgia law. The shutdowns came during one of the busiest periods for regional parks, when Halloween events and fall festivals drive attendance, and prolonged closures of signature coasters could affect theme park attendance trends and guest confidence.

Legal experts say the family could pursue a wrongful death claim against the park operator, ride manufacturer, or maintenance contractors. Attorney Nakia Martin said investigators should preserve telemetry, maintenance records, inspection reports and video to determine whether restraint failure, inadequate maintenance or operator error caused the ejection. Georgia parks owe riders only 'ordinary care,' attorney Daniel Adamson noted, leaving key questions about whether a backup seat belt would have prevented the death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026?

A 42-year-old man was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster around 4 p.m., struck other riders, and died after landing on a haunted house roof. Four minors were injured.

Which rides did Six Flags close after the Goliath incident?

Six Flags closed nine similar roller coasters across six parks: Raging Bull, Goliath at Magic Mountain, Nitro, Leviathan, Behemoth, Fury 325, Thunder Striker, Orion and Diamondback.

Why did Six Flags close so many rides?

The company said the temporary closures were 'out of an abundance of caution' while it reviewed restraint systems and safety procedures on similar hypercoasters.

Will Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia reopen?

Goliath remains closed indefinitely under Georgia law while police and state safety officials investigate.

What happens next

Investigators are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks. The incident has already prompted Six Flags to add redundant restraints on several high-speed hypercoasters, potentially reshaping safety standards across North America.