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Six Flags rider who fell to his death had beaten cancer and survived a car fire just a month ago
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A Georgia family is mourning after a man died following a fall from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday.
The victim, 42-year-old Hassan Kariem, fell from the 200-foot-tall Goliath hypercoaster during its run at the amusement park in Austell, Georgia.
Kariem, an IT manager for Atlanta Public Schools, had overcome significant personal challenges prior to the tragic incident. According to his sister, 35-year-old Andrea Clark, he was in remission from cancer and had recently survived a vehicle fire just weeks earlier.
His sister expressed deep shock over the loss, noting how much her brother had managed to overcome throughout his life before the park accident occurred.
Grieving family remembers Hassan Kariem
Clark spoke fondly of her brother's devotion to his family and his active role in helping raise his fiancée's daughter. She recalled how hard he worked to support those around him and reflected on their close relationship.
"He's an amazing person," Clark told the New York Post. "The coolest part about me was him."
Clark, who called her brother "my hero," expressed confusion over how the incident could happen to someone who was otherwise healthy and able-bodied.
"He had other issues, but he's healthy, he was able-bodied. I don't understand it," she said.
Clark also commented on his willingness to step up for his loved ones in every aspect of life.
"He could do it all," she said.
She also voiced frustration regarding online behavior following the incident, urging members of the public to stop sharing video footage and photos taken during her brother's final moments on the ride.
"That's just evil," Clark told the Post. "It's tragic, and I feel like we've gone too far as a society."
Investigation underway at amusement park
Witnesses at the park reported seeing Kariem fall as the Goliath ride traversed its track. The hypercoaster reaches speeds up to 70 mph and features drops of 170 feet and 175 feet, along with a 540-degree spiral.
One witness told local station WXIA that Kariem was visible in photos taken during the run.
"He was in our pictures," the witness said. "He fell and hit the car three different times."
In the wake of the tragedy, Atlanta Public Schools confirmed Kariem's employment with the district and offered condolences to his family.
Meanwhile, Six Flags officials announced they are fully cooperating with Cobb County police and local authorities who are investigating the cause of the fall.
As a precautionary safety measure, Six Flags temporarily closed similar roller coaster rides at its other theme parks nationwide while safety reviews take place.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused Kariem to fall from the ride.