Heartbreaking new details have emerged about the life of a father who died after reportedly falling from a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, including how he survived a frightening car fire just weeks before his death.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died on Monday, October 12, following an incident involving the Goliath rollercoaster at the popular amusement park near Atlanta.
The father and educator was visiting the attraction with his family when the tragedy occurred.
As investigators work to establish exactly what happened, a family friend has revealed that Kariem had previously overcome several serious challenges, making his sudden death particularly devastating for those closest to him.
Father survived car fire with his daughter weeks before Six Flags tragedy
According to a family friend who spoke to local television station WSB-TV, Kariem had survived a vehicle fire just weeks before the fatal rollercoaster incident.
His 10-year-old daughter was also inside the vehicle during the frightening ordeal.
Both father and daughter survived the fire, although the exact circumstances surrounding the incident have not been publicly established.
It remains unclear what caused the vehicle to catch fire or whether either of them sustained injuries.
The revelation has added another heartbreaking dimension to the family's loss, coming so soon after they had escaped a potentially dangerous situation together.
Those close to Kariem have spoken about their shock at the circumstances of his death.
Hassan Kariem had also survived cancer twice
The same family friend revealed that Kariem had previously battled cancer on two separate occasions.
According to the account, his most recent experience with the illness was in 2018.
Further details about his diagnoses and treatment have not been publicly disclosed.
Having survived both cancer and the recent car fire, Kariem's death has left his loved ones struggling to comprehend what happened.
Speaking to WSB-TV, a family friend described the loss as devastating and said the circumstances were almost impossible to put into words.
What happened on the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags?
The fatal incident occurred on Monday, October 12, while Kariem was riding Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Goliath is one of the amusement park's largest attractions, standing approximately 200 feet tall and reaching speeds of up to 70mph.
Witnesses told local media that Kariem appeared to come loose from his seat before falling from the moving rollercoaster.
However, the precise circumstances surrounding the reported fall remain under investigation, and officials have not publicly established a definitive cause.
Following the incident, the ride was stopped and emergency services responded.
Aerial footage showed passengers being assisted from the attraction as staff worked to manage the situation.
One visitor told 11Alive that they had been stranded on the ride for more than an hour before being evacuated.
The amusement park was subsequently evacuated as authorities began examining the circumstances surrounding Kariem's death.
Beloved teacher remembered by school community
Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy, a school in Atlanta, where he was known affectionately as Mr Kariem.
He had been part of the school community for more than 12 years, working in education and information technology.
Following his death, the school released an emotional statement paying tribute to his dedication and the impact he had made on colleagues and pupils.
The academy described him as a valued member of its community whose commitment to students was evident throughout his work.
It said his loss would be deeply felt by those who had known him over the years.
The school also asked members of the public to respect his family's privacy as they mourned.
Six Flags issues statement following fatal incident
Six Flags Over Georgia confirmed that it was cooperating with local authorities following the tragedy.
In a statement, a spokesperson expressed sadness over the death and offered condolences to Kariem's family, friends and loved ones.
The company also confirmed that support was being provided to visitors and employees affected by the incident.
Park officials said emergency personnel and local authorities had responded immediately.
However, Six Flags declined to share further details about the incident, citing respect for the family's privacy.
Local authorities investigating rollercoaster death
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens also released a statement expressing his condolences following the tragedy.
He confirmed that city public safety officials were coordinating with Cobb County Police and the amusement park's security team.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances of the incident, including how Kariem reportedly fell from the ride and whether any safety-related factors contributed.
No official conclusion about the cause of the fall has been announced.
For Kariem's family, the tragedy comes after years in which he had already overcome serious adversity.
His survival of two cancer diagnoses and a recent car fire has made the news of his death even more difficult for those who knew him.
As the investigation continues, tributes are being paid to a devoted father, respected educator and much-loved member of his community.
