Incident Overview

A tragic accident occurred at Six Flags Over Georgia involving Hassan Kariem, who was riding the Goliath roller coaster with his 13-year-old niece, Navi. The incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a joyful celebration of Navi’s birthday.

Details of the Ride

According to Kariem’s brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, the pair had looked forward to riding the Goliath together. “He said this was one of his favorite rides and how excited he was to be there,” Nelson recalled.

As the ride began, something went tragically wrong. Navi later described the events, saying, “He passed out” during the ascent. When the roller coaster completed its loop, it was reported that Kariem’s safety latch malfunctioned, leading to his fall.

The Family’s Response

After the incident, a distraught Navi reached out to her father, struggling to convey the horror she had witnessed. “At the time I’m thinking that, that can’t be accurate,” Nelson reflected on the moment. Unfortunately, the family would later receive the devastating news that Kariem did not survive.

Last Moments and Memories

Before boarding the roller coaster, Kariem had shared a happy moment with Navi, asking her to hold onto his sunglasses while expressing excitement over the ride. “That’s just kind of what I’ve been holding on to, hoping that that’s the last thing he remembers,” Nelson shared, wishing that Kariem experienced no pain during the incident.

A poignant memory of Kariem was a Harry Potter-themed cake topper he crafted for Navi’s birthday, a testament to his loving nature and thoughtfulness.

Calls for Accountability

In the wake of this tragic event, Nelson has expressed a desire for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. While he recognizes it as a “freak accident,” he also questions whether it could have been prevented. Nelson hopes that by seeking answers, he can help ensure no other family experiences such heartbreak in the future.