Six Flags is adding seat belts to the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and other rides with similar restraints following the death of a rider earlier this month.
On October 12, 2026, 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta was ejected from Goliath, struck other patrons (including minors), and fell beneath the ride, according to Cobb County police. He was found unresponsive and died. An investigation by local police and the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is ongoing; no official cause has been announced.
In a statement on October 23, Six Flags Entertainment Corp. President and CEO John Reilly said the company is “reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures, including adding seat belts on Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint.” Goliath remains closed pending safety reviews and clearances. Eight other similar rides at five additional parks were also closed out of an abundance of caution.
Goliath, a Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoaster that opened in 2006, uses individual clamshell-style lap-bar restraints without traditional seat belts. Confirmed rides receiving the belts include Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure, and Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America—the three B&M hypercoasters in the chain that previously lacked them. Many similar coasters at former Cedar Fair parks already used seat belts alongside lap bars.
Six Flags has engaged independent engineers and ride inspection specialists for a broader review of safety procedures across its attractions. The company has not announced reopening dates. The addition of seat belts is described as a precautionary step and does not establish that the existing restraint system malfunctioned.
The parks themselves remain open. Reilly has emphasized that safety guides the company’s decisions and that trust is earned through actions.
SOURCES:
Six Flags over Georgia roller coaster Goliath to get seat belts
Six Flags Over Georgia adding seatbelts to Goliath after man’s death
Six Flags to add seat belts to Goliath roller coaster after fatal accident – Attractions Magazine
Six Flags adds seat belts after fatal roller coaster fall – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio
Six Flags says it will install seat belts on Georgia roller coaster after rider’s death – Now Georgia
Six Flags signals Goliath roller coaster will reopen — with seat belts — after fatal fall at Georgia park – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
Six Flags adding seat belts to B&M coasters after death in Georgia – Theme Park Tribune, theme park news
