Theme Park Safety Updated October 14, 2026
The Busch Gardens Williamsburg statement arrived on Tuesday, one day after a 42-year-old man died in a fall from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The Virginia park is owned by a different company, but it spoke publicly about ride safety as questions spread across the amusement industry.
Quick Summary
A man died Monday after falling from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags temporarily closed nine similar coasters at six parks. The Busch Gardens Williamsburg statement offered condolences and said guest safety is a top priority. Georgia officials and police are investigating, and the cause has not been made public.
What the Busch Gardens Williamsburg Statement Says
AnneMarie Iturrizaga, vice president of public relations and communications at United Parks & Resorts, issued the message. As reported by WAVY, she offered thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy in Georgia.
The statement then turned to the Virginia park’s own operations. It said the safety of guests and team members is a top priority. Safety staff and ride technicians work to keep attractions in a condition guests can enjoy with confidence, according to the company.
The company named three parts of that effort: regular ride inspections, ongoing work with ride manufacturers, and consultation with other engineering and safety experts. The Busch Gardens Williamsburg statement did not mention any change to operations at the park, and it did not comment on the investigation in Georgia.
What Happened at Six Flags Over Georgia
The Cobb County Police Department said the incident took place Monday, October 12, in the afternoon at the park in Mableton, just northwest of Atlanta. Police said several people reported injuries and one person died.
The man who died
Police identified him as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta. An Associated Press report published by PBS News said police described him as thrown from his seat and striking other guests. The same report said investigators and park officials have not explained how he came out of his seat.
Kariem worked as the information technology manager at a public charter school in Atlanta, according to that report. CNN, in its live coverage, also described him as a technology teacher and robotics coach. Police have not released details about the other people who were hurt.
The ride and the rescue
Goliath is the park’s tallest coaster at 200 feet, with a top speed of 70 mph. The AP report said its restraints are lap bars that lower over the riders’ legs and waist, and that it has no seat belts. Another train stopped on the lift hill after the incident. WSB-TV reported that riders were evacuated four at a time.
A Six Flags spokesperson said the company was deeply saddened and offered condolences to the family and friends of the guest. The statement said the park was cooperating fully with local authorities.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | What is confirmed |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Location | Six Flags Over Georgia, Mableton, Georgia |
| Ride | Goliath, 200 feet tall, up to 70 mph |
| Person who died | Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta |
| Coasters closed | Nine similar coasters at six parks (temporary) |
| Investigators | Cobb County Police; Georgia insurance and fire commissioner’s office |
| Cause | Not yet released |
Nine Coasters Closed Across Six Parks
Six Flags announced the closures right after the incident. According to ABC News, the rides are:
- Nitro at Great Adventure in New Jersey
- Raging Bull at Great America in Illinois
- Behemoth and Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland
- Goliath at Magic Mountain in California
- Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina
- Orion and Diamondback at Kings Island in Ohio
All but one of these coasters were built by Bolliger & Mabillard, the Swiss company that also made the Georgia ride. The exception is the California Goliath, which was built by Giovanola. Bolliger & Mabillard told ABC News it is actively investigating and will not comment further until it better understands what happened.
The AP reported that the six parks were already scheduled for seasonal closures on Tuesday and Wednesday. Six Flags did not immediately say why those specific rides were chosen or what must happen before they reopen.
Who Is Investigating
Cobb County police are leading the criminal side of the inquiry. Separately, Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, which oversees ride inspections, said its team is conducting an in-depth review. A spokesperson said the review aims to determine what happened and confirm compliance with applicable policies and procedures, the AP reported.
No official findings have been released. Until investigators publish them, any explanation for how the man left his seat would be speculation, and this article does not offer one.
What Remains Unclear
Several questions are still open, and the Busch Gardens Williamsburg statement does not answer them. Officials have not said whether the cause involved the restraint, the ride’s operation, or something else. They have not said when the closed coasters will reopen, and they have not described the condition of the other injured people.
The AP also noted that this is at least the seventh death at the Georgia park since 1989, a count it attributed to a law firm that tracks amusement park accidents. Readers should keep in mind that the tally comes from that firm and not from a government agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issued the Busch Gardens Williamsburg statement?
AnneMarie Iturrizaga, vice president of public relations and communications at United Parks & Resorts, shared it with WAVY on Tuesday.
Which ride was involved in the fatal fall?
The Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, which stands 200 feet tall and reaches 70 mph.
How many coasters did Six Flags close?
Nine similar coasters at six parks in the United States and Canada were temporarily closed, according to ABC News and the AP.
Has the cause been determined?
No. Investigators and park officials have not said how the man came out of his seat, and reviews are still underway.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Cobb County Police Department and Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, which oversees ride inspections.
This story is developing and will change as officials release more information.
