Six Flags Closes Coasters After Fatal Fall

Forty-two-year-old Atlanta-area educator Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Oct. 12; authorities are investigating and have not determined the cause. Six Flags temporarily closed at least 12 coasters at parks in the U.S. and Canada, including 10 reported to share the Georgia ride’s manufacturer and a similar restraint system. Witnesses and a park visitor raised concerns about restraints that felt insecure or failed to stay locked. Six Flags said it is cooperating with authorities and supporting those affected. The company’s shares fell more than 10% in after-hours trading after rising 4.5% during regular trading, adding pressure as analysts cited potential legal costs, higher insurance premiums and safety modifications.