The Newshound

Niece saw teacher 'pass out' before his 'latch snapped' and he fell to his death from Six Flags Goliath

Hassan Kariem with his wife, whose family described his death as a "terrible shock" and said they "just want to know what happened.
Hassan Kariem with his wife, whose family described his death as a "terrible shock" and said they "just want to know what happened.

Hassan Kariem, 42, a technology teacher from Atlanta, fainted on the Goliath hypercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday before his restraint came loose and he was ejected from the ride, according to his 13-year-old niece who was seated beside him celebrating her birthday. His brother-in-law Joshua Nelson said the girl called her father in a panic immediately after, telling him: 'He fainted, or he passed out... his latch snapped or came loose, and he fell.' Kariem struck other passengers as he plummeted, injuring four children who were taken to hospital, while his wife Eboni heard authorities announce a death and immediately feared the worst.

A mother, Erica Billups, says her son's restraint on the same Goliath seat repeatedly unlocked before Kariem's fatal ride, and staff said nothing.

Crisis expert Marsha Archer is demanding Six Flags CEO John Riley speak publicly, saying: 'Someone human has to step up to the plate.'

MoreThe IndependentDeadly roller coaster plunge triggers wave of shutdowns as fears spread across US and CanadaDaily MailTeacher who fell to his death from Six Flags roller coaster was celebrating niece's birthday, as crisis expert slams park bosses for their silence on horrific tragedyNY PostHarrowing final moments of Six Flags parkgoer Hassan Kariem who fell to his death riding Goliath roller coaster: ‘He passed out’APMore roller coasters shut down as authorities investigate fatal fall at Georgia amusement parkNY PostFour kids hospitalized after Six Flags dad Hassan Kariem struck riders as he plummeted from coaster: cops
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