Atlanta teacher identified as the rider killed on the Goliath coaster as Six Flags closes nine rides

The man who died on Georgia's tallest roller coaster was a teacher, riding beside his son on a school holiday while his wife and daughter watched from the ground.

Cobb County police identified him on Tuesday as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, of the Atlanta area. He taught technology at Wesley International Academy, and Atlanta Public Schools called him a cherished member of its school family whose loss will be deeply felt by students and staff. His family described a passionate educator who loved his city and worked to bring families back together.

What happened on the ride is still being established. Witnesses told Atlanta television stations that Kariem came out of his lap restraint partway through the three and a half minute ride on Monday afternoon, appeared to rise out of his seat, struck other coaster cars as he fell, hit at least one other rider, and landed on the roof of a haunted house attraction below the 200 foot coaster. He was found unresponsive and not breathing. Four other riders were injured as of Tuesday. Some riders told reporters their souvenir ride photos captured the fall, and several were treated after being covered in blood. His son, seated beside him, watched it happen.

Six Flags closed nine roller coasters across six of its parks on Tuesday, including the Goliath at Magic Mountain in California, while the Georgia ride stays shut. The company said it is deeply saddened, that its thoughts are with the family, and that it is cooperating fully with investigators. Georgia state safety officials and Cobb County police are investigating the ride's design, maintenance and operation. Lawyers who handle amusement park cases say one early question will be whether a ride restrained only by a lap bar should also carry a backup seatbelt. Six Flags shares fell about 16 percent on Tuesday to close at 10.20 dollars a share as of Tuesday, the lowest close since 2009. No cause for the failure has been announced.