Brother reveals Six Flags coaster victim’s final words before getting on ride
A family birthday outing
Kariem went to Six Flags Over Georgia with his wife, daughter and niece to celebrate a birthday, Nelson told Atlanta News First. Nelson said Kariem was keen to ride Goliath, which reaches speeds of up to 70 mph.
Witnesses describe the fall
Nelson said the latch came undone after Kariem’s body moved up and down for a third or fourth time. Police said preliminary interviews with witnesses and employees indicated that Kariem was ejected, struck other patrons and then fell beneath the attraction.
Nelson remembers Kariem
Nelson said he had known his brother-in-law for 15 years and regarded him as the older brother he never had. He described Kariem as thoughtful and kind, and said he had “a great heart.” Nelson said Kariem had survived cancer and a car fire in a freak accident just weeks before his death.
Key points
- Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia.
- He was at the park with family for a birthday celebration, Nelson said.
- Police said preliminary accounts indicate Kariem struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction.
- The park has reopened as an investigation continues.