Six Flags Over Georgia is set to reopen as scheduled Friday, just days after a fatal incident on its Goliath roller coaster left one man dead. However, the attraction remains temporarily closed as investigations into the tragedy continue.
The Atlanta-area theme park, which currently operates on weekends, confirmed that the ride will remain closed for the time being.
“Goliath remains temporarily closed,” a park spokesperson told ABC News on Wednesday. “We do not have an anticipated reopening date at this time.”
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta, died Monday afternoon after being “ejected” from the Goliath roller coaster, according to the Cobb County Police Department.
“Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction,” the Cobb County Police Department said in a statement.
According to a Cobb County Police incident report, Kariem was found on a building inside the park and had “sustained fatal injuries.”
Four juveniles were also injured in the incident, police confirmed. All four were transported by ambulance to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said Wednesday. Officials added that no further information would be released about the minors.
Kariem had reportedly been visiting Six Flags with several family members to celebrate his niece’s birthday. A relative told ABC News that he was seated beside his niece when he was ejected from the roller coaster.
Beyond the devastating loss for his family, Kariem was also remembered as a valued member of the Atlanta Public Schools community. The school district described him as a “cherished member” at Wesley International Academy, where he worked as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach for more than 12 years, according to the school.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The Cobb County Police Department said Tuesday that its investigators “continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Georgia’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, the agency responsible for overseeing amusement ride safety in the state, also confirmed that it is “actively investigating” the incident.
“Our investigative team is conducting an in‑depth and comprehensive review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures,” Garrison Bennett, the agency’s press secretary, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Six Flags has also addressed the tragedy, confirming that it is working with authorities as the investigation moves forward.
A Six Flags spokesperson said that the “park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation.”
“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the spokesperson said in a statement on Monday. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.”
The Goliath roller coaster, which first opened in 2006, reaches heights of 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 mph, according to the amusement park’s website. The attraction is located at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, just west of Atlanta.
In the wake of the incident, the company has also taken precautionary measures at other parks.
The Six Flags spokesperson said that “out of an abundance of caution,” the theme park company has “temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks.”
In addition to Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, nine similar hypercoasters across six theme parks in North America have been temporarily closed as the investigation continues.