A disturbing claim has emerged following the death of a father who reportedly fell from a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, with a witness alleging that the incident may have been captured in a souvenir photograph.
The tragedy unfolded on Monday, October 12, at the popular amusement park near Atlanta, Georgia.
The victim was riding Goliath, a rollercoaster standing more than 200 feet tall, when he reportedly fell from the attraction while it was operating.
Emergency services responded to the incident, but the man was pronounced dead.
As investigators work to establish exactly what happened, witnesses have shared distressing accounts of the events.
Souvenir photograph allegedly captured fatal Six Flags incident
According to a witness who spoke to local television station 11Alive, the moment the man fell from the Goliath rollercoaster may have been recorded by an automatic ride camera.
These cameras are commonly installed at theme parks to photograph passengers during a ride, with the images subsequently offered for purchase as souvenirs.
The witness alleged that the victim struck parts of the moving train multiple times during the fall.
They also suggested that an onboard photograph captured part of the incident.
Images claimed to be connected to the tragedy have since circulated on social media.
However, the authenticity of the alleged photograph has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear exactly what any genuine image might show.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed that an official souvenir photograph captured the fatal incident.
Witnesses describe distressing scenes on Goliath rollercoaster
Several witnesses have described panic and confusion following the incident.
One individual posting on Reddit claimed to have been waiting in the queue when the rollercoaster returned to its station.
According to the unverified account, passengers appeared extremely distressed, with one person reportedly shouting that the individual seated beside them had fallen from the train.
Other reports suggest that additional passengers were injured during the incident.
Footage circulating online also appeared to show people waiting to be evacuated from the attraction while park employees responded.
However, the precise sequence of events and the cause of the reported fall remain under investigation.
Who was the man who died at Six Flags Over Georgia?
The victim has since been identified in subsequent reporting as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator from Atlanta.
According to reports, Kariem was visiting the amusement park with his family when the tragedy occurred.
His son was reportedly riding the rollercoaster with him, while his wife and daughter were elsewhere at the attraction.
Atlanta Public Schools later paid tribute to Kariem, describing him as a valued member of the Wesley International Academy community.
The district expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, acknowledging the impact of his death on those who knew him.
What has Six Flags said about the incident?
Following the tragedy, Six Flags Over Georgia issued a statement expressing its sadness and sympathy for those affected.
The company confirmed that park personnel and local authorities had responded to the incident.
It also said that support was being provided to guests and employees who had been affected.
Six Flags initially declined to share further details out of respect for the victim's family and the ongoing investigation.
Local officials also expressed their condolences and confirmed that relevant authorities were working together following the death.
How tall and fast is the Goliath rollercoaster?
Goliath is one of the best-known attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Opened in 2006, the steel rollercoaster reaches a height of approximately 200 feet and can travel at speeds of up to 70mph.
The ride features steep drops, elevated turns and a series of high-speed elements designed to provide an intense experience.
Following the fatal incident, attention has turned to the circumstances surrounding the reported fall and whether any safety-related issues contributed.
However, investigators have not established a definitive cause, and it would be premature to attribute the tragedy to any particular mechanical or operational failure.
Investigation into Six Flags death continues
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding Kariem's death, including witness accounts and any available footage.
The alleged souvenir photograph could potentially become relevant if investigators determine that it is authentic and connected to the incident.
For now, the claim remains unverified.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy for Kariem's family and those who witnessed the incident.
Further information is expected as officials continue their investigation into what happened aboard the Goliath rollercoaster.
