Family Urges Public to Delete Viral Photos of Dead Man

The family of an Atlanta man who died in a horrific accident on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia is begging the public to delete images from the internet showing his final moments. Hassan Kariem, forty-two years old, lost his life riding the Goliath attraction on Monday. His wife and young daughter watched from nearby while he rode with their son. The family speaks for the first time since this tragedy unfolded and said they are absolutely devastated by such an unexpected loss.

It is still unclear exactly how Kariem fell. Witnesses claim he flew out of his seat and hit the ride's metal frame several times before hitting the ground. Six Flags Over Georgia plans to reopen on Wednesday, though the Goliath ride remains closed indefinitely. The accident happened right when the coaster's camera snaps souvenir photos for riders who might buy them later. Those grisly pictures have since gone viral across social media platforms.

The family told WSBTV2 they are trying to find out who took the original photo of Kariem's final moments. They want people to stop sharing these images because of how upsetting they are. Elicia Day, Kariem's cousin, shared a video on social media explaining that his family has been left heartbroken. She said any loss is tragic but losing him in this way is beyond words to express.

Day noted in her video that the family is now trying to come together to deal with such a sudden blow. 'We were just coming from a place of, Thank God god is so good they spared you and they spared his daughter's life,' Day added. She described Kariem as a devoted and loving father who was also a passionate teacher and ran a 3D printing business. The gruesome incident unfolded at the theme park on Monday.

Kariem had already fought cancer before. Just three weeks ago he survived a fiery car crash with his daughter. The fire destroyed their vehicle but left them both unharmed. A relative told the Daily Mail on Tuesday that this new loss was a terrible shock. They refused to add more details, simply saying they want answers about what happened.

Authorities have not yet explained how this freak accident unfolded on the roller coaster. An investigation is now underway. Six Flags closed the Goliath ride immediately after the tragedy. The company also shut down over 10 other coasters across the nation out of an abundance of caution. However, Six Flags Over Georgia plans to reopen by Friday.

Kariem worked as a teacher at Wesley International Academy in Atlanta. He was riding with his son when disaster struck on Monday. Witnesses say the father flew from his seat near the final turn. He hit the ride frame several times before hitting the ground. Logan Conner, who sat in the same carriage, said Kariem made direct eye contact as he fell head first out of the train.

Conner described seeing Kariem levitating against the track side during the fall. Blood splattered over everyone on the ride, reports WXIA. One woman told 11Alive that Kariem hit a girl two rows ahead where photos are taken. He landed behind a haunted house attraction set up for Halloween. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

The Goliath coaster reaches top speeds of 70mph and climbs over 200 feet in the air. It stands as the tallest roller coaster in all of Georgia. The family says they have been left heartbroken by his unexpected death. They noted that any loss is tragic, but losing him this way is beyond words to express.

It remains unclear how such an incident could happen so easily. Theme park expert Robert Niles told Channel2 that events like this are incredibly rare. Niles, the editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, stated the guest did nothing wrong. He suggested there might be something wrong with the ride itself. This was not a case where someone violated boarding restrictions or health rules. The situation sounds like a freak accident until an investigation returns results to fully understand it.

Atlanta Public Schools released a statement after identifying Kariem as the victim. They said he would be remembered as a beloved educator and technology professional in the district. He was a cherished member of Wesly International Academy and APS families whose presence and impact will be deeply missed by students, staff, and all those whose lives he touched. The school district added that their thoughts were with everyone mourning during this difficult time.

A Six Flags spokesperson told the Daily Mail they are deeply saddened by the guest incident at their park today. Their thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, and loved ones of the victim. The park team and local authorities responded immediately. They are cooperating fully with officials as they complete the investigation. The company said the park offers support for anyone affected. They will not comment further out of respect for the family's privacy.