Rider fell 165 feet before hitting other cars

A 42-year-old father fell 165 feet from a rollercoaster car before striking other vehicles, a drop that killed Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem. The incident occurred on the Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia earlier this month.

Kariem, an educator, was ejected from his seat during the ride's initial 165-foot drop. The coaster features a second plunge of 180 feet. As he fell, he collided with the ride's other cars. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the death.

The fatal ejection prompted Six Flags to temporarily shut down Goliath. The company also closed eight rides across five other parks. The Goliath currently uses a lap bar designed by Bolliger & Mabillard that locks across a rider's waist.

CEO John Reilly announced on Friday that the company will replace these lap bars with seatbelts. He stated that the new restraints will also be installed on other coasters using similar systems, though he did not list specific rides. The park has also hired an independent firm to review safety procedures for all its attractions.

Reilly wrote in a statement, "What happened has deeply affected all of us at Six Flags. Safety has always been fundamental to the experience we provide for our guests." He added, "I know trust is earned through actions and not words. We will continue to communicate about our progress and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments to you."

The company faces a separate lawsuit over its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Former riders allege the park operated a defective coaster, citing a record of brain injuries and at least two deaths. A recent CNN investigation confirmed those claims. Six Flags permanently closed the X2 coaster in September.