Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem had survived two battles with cancer, a serious bout of COVID-19 and a car fire involving his young daughter weeks before he died after being thrown from a rollercoaster in the United States.
The 42-year-old Atlanta resident died on Monday, October 12, after being ejected from the Goliath rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, striking other visitors before falling beneath the ride.
His death has left his family and friends grieving as they seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to a family friend, Elicia Day, Kariem had overcome several serious health challenges, including cancer and COVID-19.
Day told US broadcaster WSB-TV that Kariem and his 10-year-old daughter had also survived a car fire about three weeks before his death.
The incident left neither of them injured, according to reports by PEOPLE magazine, which cited Day’s account.
“We’re absolutely devastated by this loss, any loss of a family member or friend is tragic but to lose him in this manner, this way it is beyond words can even express,” Day told WSB-TV.
She also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“We want answers about how this happened,” she said.
Kariem’s most recent battle with cancer was in 2018, according to reports citing his family’s account. His experience overcoming the disease and COVID-19 formed part of the family’s recollection of the hardships he had endured.
Despite these challenges, Kariem continued working as an educator and technology professional, earning the affection of colleagues and students at Wesley International Academy, where he had worked for more than 12 years.
He began his career at the Atlanta charter school as a technology teacher before becoming its IT manager. He also coached robotics, combining his technical skills with his work with students.
In a tribute, the school said: “The Wesley International Academy community is devastated by the loss of Hassan Kariem, affectionately known as Mr. Kariem, who was a beloved colleague, friend, and integral part of the Wesley family for more than 12 years.”
The school added: “His love for Wesley, dedication to our students, and commitment to our school community were evident in everything he did.”
Atlanta Public Schools also expressed condolences to his family and friends, describing him as a cherished member of the school and district communities.
Outside work, Kariem enjoyed 3D printing, laser crafting, cooking and spending time with his family. His loved ones also remembered his commitment to bringing families together.
Police said preliminary information gathered from witness and employee interviews indicated that Kariem was ejected from the rollercoaster and struck other parkgoers before falling beneath the attraction.
Officers found him unresponsive at the scene at about 3.58pm. Cobb County Police said its Major Crimes Unit was investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident prompted Six Flags to temporarily close nine rollercoasters across six parks in the United States and Canada as a precautionary measure.
Investigators have not established what caused Kariem to fall from the ride, and no mechanical failure has been confirmed.