Cobb Officials Address Six Flags Tragedy As Park Reopens

ATLANTA, GA — Cobb County officials on Friday addressed the deadly roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia that claimed the life of a 42-year-old man and left others injured.

Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, joined by Cobb County Police Deputy Chief Damon Ballard, held a news conference Friday, Oct. 16, to discuss the county's response to Monday's tragedy involving the Goliath roller coaster.

The incident claimed the life of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, whom Cupid described as an educator and information technology professional who was beloved by his family, students and community.

"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Hassan Kariem," Cupid said. "And my heart aches for him and his family, who are going through this very terrible time."

Cupid also acknowledged the trauma experienced by other park visitors, employees and first responders who witnessed or responded to the incident.

"Our entire community is still carrying the weight of this matter," she said.

While the news conference provided some additional details about the county's involvement, Cupid stressed that officials were not announcing any new investigative findings.

Instead, she explained that the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is overseeing the regulatory investigation, including whether the park complied with state safety requirements.

Cobb County police, meanwhile, are responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and determining whether any criminal activity occurred.

"The state is the lead investigators in this case because we don't have the authority to inspect or investigate machinery at theme parks," Ballard said.

Ballard explained that the department investigates deaths in unincorporated Cobb County but is assisting state authorities in this case.

He said police would close their investigation if no criminal charges were warranted after the state completes its review.

At Friday's news conference, officials declined to speculate about potential criminal charges, saying any such determination would depend on the state's findings.

The Goliath roller coaster remains closed and secured as the investigation continues, although Cupid said the park was expected to reopen Friday in coordination with state authorities.

She then said any decision about when the ride itself could resume operations would rest with Six Flags and the state insurance commissioner's office.

Cupid acknowledged that reopening the park while the investigation remains active could raise concerns among families.

"We pride ourselves in Cobb County being a safe community," Cupid said. "However, safety within the park, that lies within the leadership of the park, and we understand that the state has regulatory authority over it."

She encouraged visitors to consider statements from the park and state regulators before deciding whether to return.

Officials also declined to provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding Kariem's death, including exactly when he fell from the roller coaster.

When asked about reports that Kariem lost consciousness before falling from the ride, a police representative said authorities could not comment on that information.

Cupid then reiterated that determining what occurred during the ride was outside the county's investigative authority.

"Anything that pertains to that event, as that gentleman was experiencing the ride on that roller coaster, is beyond our ability to comment on today," she said.

Officials also confirmed that a Cobb County police officer was already at the park when the incident occurred and was able to respond immediately.

However, police declined to describe what the officer witnessed, citing the ongoing investigation.

Ballard noted that peer support and chaplain services are available to officers dealing with traumatic incidents.

Cupid said she has spoken with Six Flags officials since the tragedy but has not spoken directly with Karim's family.

She also acknowledged the park's importance to Cobb County's tourism industry and surrounding businesses, although she said it was too early to discuss the potential economic impact of the incident.

The chairwoman described the tragedy as particularly personal, noting that she previously represented the area surrounding Six Flags and once lived close enough to hear visitors screaming on the rides.

"My children have ventured there on numerous occasions," Cupid said. "So what occurred is just unimaginable."

Despite the unanswered questions, Cupid said residents deserve a thorough, fact-based investigation and pledged the county's continued cooperation with state authorities.

"We know that you have questions. Our community has questions," she said. "I think we're all deserving of answers with respect to what has taken place, and we're all deserving of some compassion because no one could have anticipated that something this grave would occur here."

Patch previously reported that Cobb County police said he was ejected from the roller coaster around 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, striking other passengers before falling beneath the ride. Four juveniles suffered injuries that police described as non-life-threatening and were transported to local hospitals.

Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy, where he taught technology, served as an IT manager and coached robotics.

The school said he had been part of its community for more than 12 years.

Six Flags also temporarily closed nine similar roller coasters across North America following his death.