Hassan Kariem, the educator killed in a Six Flags roller coaster fall, had survived cancer twice, his family says.
Cobb County police identified the 42-year-old Atlanta resident as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. He died after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on October 12, 2026.
As investigators examine what happened, relatives and colleagues are remembering his commitment to his family and the students he supported at Wesley International Academy.
Family Recalls Earlier Health Battles
Relatives told Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA that Kariem had survived cancer twice, most recently in 2018, according to NBC reporting on his family’s account.
They also said he escaped a fiery car accident without injuries just weeks before his death. The accounts describe challenges Kariem had overcome before the fatal park visit, but investigators have not linked his medical history to the roller coaster incident.
School Remembers More Than 12 Years of Service
Kariem worked as a technology teacher and robotics team coach at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta. The school said he had been part of its community for more than 12 years.
In a tribute shared by the academy, the school described his lasting influence on students and colleagues.
“Mr. Kariem was deeply loved and respected, and his absence will be felt throughout our school community,” the statement said.
Former student Jassiem Konrad, who later became Kariem’s colleague, remembered the everyday attention he gave others. In an interview aired on TODAY on October 14, Konrad recalled that Kariem continued greeting him with the same familiar question after he became a teacher: “How you doing, young man?”
Police Continue Investigating the Fatal Fall
In an October 13 statement, Cobb County police said officers working at the park responded at approximately 3:58 p.m. They found Kariem beneath the ride, unresponsive and not breathing.
Police said preliminary interviews with witnesses and employees indicated that he was ejected from the coaster and struck other guests before falling beneath the attraction.
The department’s Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate. Authorities have not publicly established what caused Kariem to leave his seat.
Goliath remains temporarily closed. Park President Richard Pretlow said the park had no anticipated reopening date for the attraction and was cooperating with local authorities.
Relatives Ask for Privacy and Warn About Fundraisers
In a statement reported by FOX 5 Atlanta on October 14, Kariem’s family thanked the public for its support but said it had not authorized crowdfunding accounts or fundraising appeals in his name.
The family asked people not to donate to those requests. Relatives said any future scholarship or memorial fund established by his mother would be announced through her designated representative.
They also asked people to avoid viewing or sharing images of his final moments and to respect their privacy as they grieve.