165 Foot Fall Leads Six Flags to Fit Goliath With Seatbelts

A 42-year-old father and educator, Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was ejected from Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia earlier this month. As he fell from the attraction's 165-foot drop, he struck other cars before authorities confirmed his death.

Six Flags plans to install seatbelts on Goliath, replacing the current lap bar design produced by Bolliger & Mabillard. Chief Executive John Reilly announced the change on Friday, noting that the park will also fit seatbelts on other coasters that utilize a similar restraint system, though he did not specify which rides would be included.

The fatal fall prompted the company to temporarily close Goliath along with eight other rides across five different parks. Reilly stated that safety remains fundamental to the guest experience and that the incident deeply affected the company.

An independent review of safety procedures covering all park attractions has been commissioned. Reilly emphasized that trust is earned through actions, promising continued communication regarding the park's progress and accountability.

The accident occurs while Six Flags faces a lawsuit over the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders alleges the coaster was defective and that the park was negligent in keeping it operating. Court documents cite alleged brain injuries and at least two deaths linked to X2, which the company permanently closed in September.

Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into Kariem's death. The park has not yet provided a timeline for when Goliath will reopen following the retrofit and safety review.