Six Flags has temporarily closed multiple roller coasters at amusement parks across North America as a precaution following a fatal incident at Six Flags Over Georgia that left one person dead and others injured.
The closures affect major attractions in California, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina and Canada, with no reopening dates announced.
The announcement came a day after a man was killed while riding the Goliath roller coaster at the Georgia theme park. The Cobb County Police Department identified the victim as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, an Atlanta resident.
Kariem worked as an IT manager at the Wesley International Academy public charter school in Atlanta. He was found beneath the ride unresponsive and not breathing, police said in a statement to FOX Business.
“Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction,” Cobb County Police said in a statement. “Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
A Six Flags park spokesperson told FOX Business the company was “deeply saddened” by the incident and said its “thoughts and heartfelt condolences” are with the guest’s family, friends and loved ones.
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The Atlanta Public Schools district said it extends its “deepest condolences” to Kariem’s family, friends, and loved ones.
“He was a cherished member of the Wesly International Academy and APS families whose presence and impact will be deeply missed by our students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched,” the district told FOX Business. “Our thoughts are with everyone mourning his loss during this difficult time.
“We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the park team and local authorities “responded immediately” and that Six Flags cooperated fully with local authorities.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time,” the spokesperson said, directing further questions to the Cobb County Police Department.
Regarding the temporary closures at sister parks, the spokesperson said, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed similar attractions across our parks. The safety of our guests and team members is our highest priority.”
Six Flags said it does not have a timeline for reopening the paused attractions.
Among the affected rides are Goliath at Six Flags Magic Mountain in California, Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Raging Bull at Six Flags Great America in Illinois.
At Kings Island in Ohio, a Six Flags spokesperson confirmed to FOX19 that the park temporarily closed its Orion and Diamondback roller coasters.
Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario also closed its Behemoth and Leviathan coasters, Six Flags spokesperson Sara Gorgon told CityNews.
Additional closures include Fury 325 and Thunder Striker at Carowinds in North Carolina, according to Cincinnati television station WLWT.
The precautionary shutdowns come as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding Monday afternoon’s deadly incident at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid confirmed the fatality in an official statement.
“A terrible tragedy occurred today at Six Flags Over Georgia. One person has died, and others were injured,” Cupid said.
She said Cobb County Police officers responded immediately and detectives with the department’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CBS News Atlanta reported that its cameras captured passengers being evacuated from the Goliath roller coaster following the incident.
Authorities have not publicly determined the cause of the death or the injuries.
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Six Flags told FOX Business it had no additional information to share beyond its statement. FOX Business has reached out to Cobb County authorities for additional information.
