Georgia father takes his son to Six Flags. Then the company shuts down 9 roller coasters across 6 parks: ‘deeply saddened by the guest incident’

Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six amusement parks on October 12 after one person died and several others were injured in an incident at Six Flags Over Georgia. The incident occurred at the park in Mableton, Georgia, about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta. The Cobb County Police Department’s major crimes unit is investigating the incident, according to the Associated Press.

Authorities have not confirmed which roller coaster was involved or how the person died. However, local television stations showed footage of passengers being evacuated from Goliath, a coaster at the park that reaches speeds of up to 70 mph and heights of 200 feet.

Officials have not yet confirmed the circumstances that led to his fall. A Six Flags spokesperson said the company temporarily closed similar attractions at other parks “out of an abundance of caution.” The company said park staff and local authorities responded immediately and that it was cooperating with the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company was providing support to affected guests and employees.

Authorities investigate fatal incident

Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said the family of the deceased had been notified. In a statement, Cupid expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the incident’s impact on park guests and employees. She also noted the amusement park’s importance to the local tourism industry.

42-year-old Hassan Kariem, an Atlanta teacher, has been identified as the victim who fell to his death from a rollercoaster at Six Flags.

Kariem was riding the Goliath rollercoaster with his son when he was flung from his seat.

Kariem's wife and daughter reportedly watched from… pic.twitter.com/LNPmEgXJFY

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 13, 2026

Meanwhile, officials have recognized the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year old father who was reportedly with his son before being ejected from his seat. The police have not released details about the injuries sustained by other guests while the investigation remains ongoing. Six Flags has not announced a timeline for reopening the temporarily closed attractions.

The incident comes less than two weeks after Six Flags Magic Mountain in California announced the retirement of its X2 roller coaster following lawsuits alleging that riders suffered serious brain injuries. The park previously settled a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of a 22-year-old man who died after riding X2 in 2022. Six Flags has said it is cooperating with local authorities as the investigation into the Georgia incident continues. The incident is one among other roller coaster safety incidents reported in the state.

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