COBB COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First/Gray News) — A birthday celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia ended in tragedy Monday when a father was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster and fell to his death, investigators said.

Hassan Kariem had gone to the park with his wife, daughter and niece to celebrate a birthday.

Joshua Nelson is Kariem’s brother-in-law. Nelson said Kariem sat next to his daughter on the ride.

“His last words were to my daughter and they were, ‘This is my favorite ride, I’m so excited to be here,’” Nelson said.

Daughter described seeing restraint come undone

Nelson said his daughter described seeing Kariem lift from his seat as the ride moved before the restraint came undone.

Nelson said his daughter called him crying after she got off the ride.

“She was like, ‘I don’t know where he went,’” he said.

Ride passed inspection in March

The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner said the Goliath was last inspected in March and showed no warning signs.

Nelson said the family is awaiting the results of the investigation.

“We’re banding together and once the investigation is done, give him the proper send off,” he said.

Family remembers Kariem as teacher and father

Family members remembered Kariem as a dedicated teacher and father.

“He loved everything about Atlanta. He loved kids. He loved technology,” Nelson said.

Six Flags Over Georgia will reopen Friday. The park said Goliath will remain closed until further notice.

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