A well-loved teacher has been identified as the man who was killed in a horrific rollercoaster accident in the US.
Emergency services were called to Six Flags Over Georgia around 4pm on Monday local time, following reports of an incident relating to one of the theme park’s major attractions, The Goliath Rollercoaster.
Initial reports indicate that a man was ejected from the high-speed ride
The Cobb County Police Department confirmed that one person was dead and several were injured.
The Goliath rollercoaster, which launched in 2006, advertises itself as a “hypercoaster” on Six Flags Magic Mountain’s website.
Reaching speeds of 136 kmph, the ride is more than 1.3 kilometres in length and features a 77 metre drop.
The victim has now been identified by police as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, NBC reported.
They said he was “ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction”, where he was found unresponsive.
The 42-year-old was a beloved educator who has worked at the Wesley International Academy for the past 12 years.
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The school issued a statement on social media, saying they were “devastated by the loss” of a man who was an “integral part of the Wesley family”.
They said Kariem had worked as IT manager, a technology teacher, and a robotics coach.
“Mr Kariem was deeply loved and respected, and his absence will be felt throughout our community,” he said.
“Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew and loved him as we mourn this tremendous loss.”
Soon after the incident, spokesperson for Six Flags said the company was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones,” they told CBS News.
“We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected.
“The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation.”
The company has since made the decision to close “similar attractions” across other parks, Fox5 reported.
The circumstances of Kariem’s death remain under investigation, and it is unclear how many others were injured in the incident.
“Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” a police spokesperson told NBC.
Six Flags Over Georgia is expected to reopen on Friday, but Goliath will remain closed.
The incident comes as Six Flags Magic Mountain in California faces multiple lawsuits over alleged brain injuries caused by the X2 rollercoaster, which has been closed since July following the hospitalisation of two riders.
The company has 20 amusement parks, 14 water parks and nine resorts across Canada, Mexico, and the US.