Police identified the deceased as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of Atlanta. Preliminary information from witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride, struck other patrons, and then fell beneath the attraction. He was found unresponsive and not breathing.
A witness told local CNN affiliate WXIA that Kariem had come loose from his seat, struck the rollercoaster and some fellow riders, and then fell onto the roof of a nearby haunted house attraction. The incident was captured in souvenir photos automatically taken while the ride was in motion.
A husband and wife who were on the ride told WXIA that Kariem fell from the ride and was struck by it. They said workers had checked their safety harnesses before the ride set off. "We were having a great time and to just screaming 'Oh my God, what is happening?'" the woman said.
The ride involved has not been specified, but aerial footage showed the Goliath rollercoaster stopped midway with riders being helped off by workers. Six Flags said it was temporarily closing nine rides across the US and Canada as a precaution. The company said it was "deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today" and that its thoughts were with the family.
The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, which enforces amusement park safety rules in Georgia, said it was reviewing the incident to ensure compliance with all policies and procedures.