Six Flags will add seat belts to Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia and other coasters using similar restraints after 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died when he was ejected from the ride on October 12. The company announced the changes October 23, but hasn’t identified the other rides getting belts or set an installation schedule.
Goliath holds each rider with one padded lap bar that locks down over the lap and upper thighs. The train’s safety system is designed to prevent departure unless every bar registers as locked.
Investigators haven’t announced why Kariem came out of his seat. The decision to add belts doesn’t establish that his lap bar failed, and authorities haven’t made a public finding of fault.
CEO John Reilly told guests and passholders that trust “is earned through actions and not words.” Six Flags has brought in independent engineers and ride inspectors to examine safety procedures across its parks. Reilly also said the company is strengthening employee training and ride operations.
Kariem, an Atlanta resident, was celebrating his niece’s 13th birthday, relatives said. She was sitting beside him and wasn’t physically injured. He’d spent more than 12 years at Wesley International Academy, an Atlanta charter school, working as a technology teacher, IT manager and robotics coach.
Police said preliminary witness and employee interviews indicated that Kariem struck other riders before falling beneath the attraction. 4 minors were taken to a hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening. Cobb County police and Georgia’s Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner are investigating.
Commissioner John King said Goliath’s March 16, 2026, annual inspection recorded no violations or deficiencies. A separate inspection earlier this year reportedly identified bushings that needed replacement, but officials haven’t linked that maintenance issue to Kariem’s death.
Seat belts already supplement the lap bars on 6 of the chain’s 9 Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoasters. Georgia’s Goliath is among the 3 without them.
As of October 24, Goliath and 8 other Bolliger & Mabillard coasters across 5 other Six Flags parks remained closed. Goliath must complete safety reviews and receive clearance before reopening. Six Flags hasn’t announced reopening dates; the company says more than 220 of its other coasters remain in operation.