Brother-in-law reveals Six Flags coaster victim’s ominous final words before getting on ride

Brother-in-law reveals Six Flags coaster victim’s ominous final words before getting on ride ‘He just had a great heart, always thoughtful, always kind,’ Joshua Nelson said of his 42-year-old brother-in-law - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in The brother-in-law of a man who died after being flung from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia has shared his final words before boarding the ride. Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old teacher, fell to his death Monday after being thrown from the coaster, which reaches a height of 200 feet. An investigation is underway into the incident at the park, located about 20 miles from Atlanta. The park has since reopened, while a growing number of theme parks across the U.S. have suspended operations on some roller coasters to ensure they are safe. Speaking to local outlet Atlanta News First, Kariem’s brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, described the family outing and its devastating aftermath. Nelson said Kariem had visited the park with his wife, daughter and niece for a birthday celebration and was eager to get on the ride, which travels up to 70 mph. “His last words were to my daughter, and they were: This is my favorite ride. I’m so excited to be here,” Nelson said. His daughter called him crying afterward, asking what had happened to her uncle. Kariem struck parts of the roller coaster several times before landing on the roof of a nearby haunted house, according to witness reports. “He fell and hit the car three different times,” one witness told an NBC News affiliate. “A young Black male was ejected from the vehicle…The vehicle hit him, and then he flew back up again, and it hit him again,” a witness also told 11Alive. The incident also left several others injured. Nelson said his daughter, who was riding with her uncle, told him Kariem appeared to faint and that his body moved up and down as the coaster continued forward. “The third or fourth time that happened, the latch came undone, and that’s when he fell out,” Nelson told Atlanta News First. Nelson, who had known his brother-in-law for 15 years, described him as “a big brother I never had.” He said: “He just had a great heart, always thoughtful, always kind.” Kariem had survived cancer as well as a “freak” accident where his car caught fire just weeks before he died, Nelson said. The Cobb County Police Department said Tuesday that its Major Crimes Unit was investigating the incident and that the investigation remained “active and ongoing.” “Preliminary information gathered through witness and employee interviews indicates Kariem was ejected from the ride and struck other patrons before falling beneath the attraction,” police said. "We are deeply saddened by the guest incident at our park today,” Six Flags Over Georgia said in a statement Tuesday. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest’s family, friends, and loved ones.” “We are also providing support to the guests and team members affected," the statement continued. "The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities as they complete their investigation.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments