“His family deserves answers!”: Ben Crump speaks out after Six Flags Goliath roller coaster victim identified as a beloved Atlanta educator

Ciara Takes Over Six Flags - Goliath Renamed "Fantasy Ride" In Her Honor - Source: Getty
Ciara Takes Over Six Flags - Goliath Renamed "Fantasy Ride" In Her Honor - Source: Getty

Trial attorney Ben Crump has reacted to the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem at Six Flags Over Georgia. Crump, 57, who specializes in civil rights and personal injury cases like wrongful death lawsuits, took to Threads and reposted a news report link from 11alive.com and captioned his post:

“The man who witnesses say fell from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has been identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a passionate educator, a beloved member of his school community, and a man invested in bringing families together. He deserved to come home from a day at the amusement park. His family deserves answers!”
Ben Crump demands justice for the Six Flags Over Georgia victim. (Image via Threads)
Ben Crump demands justice for the Six Flags Over Georgia victim. (Image via Threads)

Several others paid tribute via social media.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim was riding the roller coaster with his son on Monday afternoon, while his wife and daughter were watching from below. He suddenly fell off it while going past the souvenir photo camera, struck the car multiple times as well as other riders, before landing on the roof of a haunted house attraction nearby. At least three others were injured, and their condition remains undisclosed.


All we know about the Six Flags Over Georgia Goliath roller coaster victim

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, worked as an IT manager, technology teacher, and robotics coach at the charter school, Wesley International Academy, in the Atlanta Public Schools District. The school released a statement in the wake of the tragedy.

“The Wesley International Academy community is devastated by the loss of Hassan Kariem, affectionately known as Mr. Kariem, who was a beloved colleague, friend, and integral part of the Wesley family for more than 12 years. His love for Wesley, dedication to our students, and commitment to our school community were evident in everything he did.”

The statement revealed that Kariem had a “lasting impact” on students and colleagues alike. It continued:

“Mr. Kariem was deeply loved and respected, and his absence will be felt throughout our school community. Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and loved him as we mourn this tremendous loss. We ask that our community keep Mr. Kariem's family in their thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

The Six Flags Over Georgia victim survived cancer twice, the final time being in 2018. Three weeks before his fatal fall, he also survived a fiery car crash with his 10-year-old daughter.

The Atlanta Public Schools community also extended its “deepest condolences” to Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem’s family, friends, and loved ones.

“He was a cherished member of the Wesley International Academy and APS families whose presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched. Our thoughts are with everyone mourning his loss during this difficult time,” the statement added.

According to 11alive.com, the incident is currently being investigated by the Cobb County Police Department, the state agency overseeing amusement parks, and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.

It remains unclear how Kariem fell and whether there was some kind of mechanical failure or operator error. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The manufacturer of the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, Bolliger & Mabillard, is “actively investigating” the incident, despite having a “stellar” safety record. Meanwhile, Six Flags temporarily shut down operations at nearly a dozen roller coasters across the United States and Canada.

Two weeks ago, the Six Flags Magic Mountain in California permanently closed the X2 ride following a CNN investigation. According to The Associated Press, six others have died on roller coasters across the country since 2003.

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Edited by Pallavi K