Six Flags is set to go ahead with its Final Destination attraction this Halloween, despite a man recently falling to his death at one of its theme parks in Georgia.
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died in a horror fall at Six Flags Over Georgia on Monday (12 October).
Kariem had been visiting the Mableton-based theme park with his family but things took a tragic turn after he fell from the Goliath roller coaster and died.
He also reportedly hit several other visitors as he fell.
Horrified witnesses said that Kariem, a teacher and devoted dad, came loose from his seat and plunged to the ground.
One witness told NBC that Kariem, who had recently survived a car fire, had been sitting beside his son when the incident occurred.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has been launched.
“Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction,” the Cobb County Police Department said in a statement.
A man died after falling from the Goliath roller coaster (Six Flags Over Georgia)
In a statement shared with LADbible on Monday, a spokesperson from Six Flags Over Georgia said: “We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones. 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.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time.”
Kariem’s shock death has left his family ‘absolutely devastated’.
Speaking to WSB-TV a close friend said: “We’re absolutely devastated by this loss. Any loss of a family member or friend is tragic but to lose him in this manner is beyond [what] words can even express.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Six Flags Over Georgia confirmed that the Goliath ride remains closed.
“Goliath remains temporarily closed,” a representative told ABC News.
“We do not have an anticipated reopening date at this time.”
Another carriage was suspended (11Alive)
However, Six Flags recently told TMZ that it plans to go ahead with its Halloween schedule at its Six Flags Magic Mountain venue in California, which includes a Final Destination: Death’s Playground maze attraction.
“Six Flags Magic Mountain will operate its Fright Fest programming as scheduled.”
Six Flags told the news outlet that the maze does not contain scenes relating to a theme park.
The Final Destination franchise launched in 2000 and went on to spawn five sequels, most recently Final Destination: Bloodlines, which was released last year.
The third movie, Final Destination 3, contains a gruesome roller coaster scene.
While the park has confirmed that its Final Destination maze does not feature any scenes involving theme parks and it isn’t situated in the same theme park as the incident, some still believe the plans are ‘distasteful’ and think it should be scrapped.
Responding to an Instagram post about the opening, one person said: “Bad taste for sure.”
Another said: “No respect.”
While a third commented: “Way too soon.”
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