Family questions whether Goliath rollercoaster death in Georgia could have been prevented

The family of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who was thrown from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia near Atlanta and died, has publicly questioned whether his death could have been prevented. The Guardian

Kariem was riding with his niece during a family trip to celebrate her birthday. He was 42 and from Atlanta. Police identified him on Tuesday as the victim of the fatal accident.

His brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, said he partly believes the death was a freak accident but also questions whether it could have been prevented. Nelson's daughter was seated beside Kariem and witnessed what happened.

According to Nelson's account of his daughter's statement, Kariem passed out before the car went up and down and his latch snapped or came loose and he fell. Kariem had expressed excitement about riding the Goliath, described as one of his favorite attractions.

Kariem was an educator and a father to a 10-year-old daughter. He started his career at Wesley International Academy as a technology teacher before being promoted to information technology manager. He was engaged to Nelson's sister and was also described as a school employee from Atlanta and a robotics coach.

Kariem was ejected from the ride just before 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon. WSBTV He was found dead under the ride after being ejected. He hit other riders after being ejected, and one person died and four others were injured in the incident.

The Cobb County Police Department's major crimes unit launched an investigation into the death. Following the death, Six Flags temporarily closed nine rollercoasters across six amusement parks in the United States. The Guardian