Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, was a father and educator in Atlanta. He died after being ejected from the Goliath ride in an accident that remains under investigation.
A story marked by overcoming serious adversity ended in
tragedy at a U.S. amusement park. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old man
who had survived two bouts of cancer, a severe COVID-19 infection, and a
serious car accident, died on Monday, October 12, after falling from a roller
coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, near Atlanta.
According to police reports, Kariem was ejected from the
Goliath ride while on the track. During the fall, he struck other passengers
before coming to rest beneath the structure. Authorities found him unconscious
and later confirmed his death.
Other people were injured. Family and friends noted that
Kariem had faced significant health challenges throughout his life, including
cancer twice and a severe COVID-19 infection.
Furthermore, just three weeks before the tragedy, he and his
10-year-old daughter survived a car accident in which the vehicle caught fire.
Both escaped unharmed, according to sources close to the family who spoke to US
media outlets.
Kariem worked as a technology coordinator, teacher, and
robotics coach at Wesley International Academy, a school in Atlanta. The school
community expressed its sorrow at his death and highlighted the impact he had
on students and colleagues.