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Six Flags victim helped young girl through difficult days, mother says
As the community continues to mourn Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, the 42-year-old educator who died in a roller coaster incident at Six Flags Over Georgia, families are sharing stories about the kindness and compassion that made him unforgettable.
For Lindsay Prizer, Kariem was more than a school employee. He was someone who helped her young daughter through a frightening and difficult period in her life, offering reassurance during mornings when even walking into school felt overwhelming.
Prizer shared her story with Atlanta’s WSB-TV, describing how Kariem’s quiet encouragement made a lasting difference for her family.
A Gentle Presence During a Difficult Time
Prizer’s daughter was just 5 years old when attending Wesley International Academy in Atlanta became a daily struggle. According to her mother, doctors had diagnosed the girl with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome, commonly known as PANS, a condition that can cause sudden and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Prizer said her daughter had gone from being happy and carefree to experiencing intense panic attacks each morning before school. She would scream and plead not to go inside.
During those difficult drop-offs, Kariem helped calm the young girl. Prizer recalled that he reassured her daughter that she would be okay once she got inside the school.
His support helped make an overwhelming routine a little easier for the child and her mother.
Months later, Prizer was waiting at the school when Kariem approached her. He told her that he had noticed her daughter’s progress and that she was doing much better.
What moved Prizer was that Kariem had been paying attention to her child’s struggles even though they barely knew one another.
“He didn’t know my name either,” Prizer told WSB-TV, reflecting on how meaningful it was that he had noticed the girl’s improvement and cared enough to say something.
A School Community Remembers an Educator and Mentor
Kariem worked at Wesley International Academy for more than 12 years, serving as an IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach. His work combined technology with education, allowing him to support students and teachers in multiple ways.
Atlanta Public Schools described him as a cherished member of the school community whose presence and impact would be deeply missed.
His influence was not limited to formal lessons or technology support. Prizer’s story illustrates how small acts of kindness, patience and encouragement can remain with a family long after a difficult chapter has passed.
After hearing about the fatal incident at Six Flags, Prizer said she immediately recognized Kariem. Her daughter recognized him, too, and pulled out an old yearbook to find his picture.
For a family that had once relied on his reassurance during difficult mornings, the news of his death was devastating.
What Happened at Six Flags Over Georgia?
Kariem died on October 12, 2026, following an incident on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in Cobb County, Georgia.
Police said he was ejected from the ride and struck other riders before falling beneath the attraction. He was found unresponsive, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Four children were also injured, according to police, though their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The ride was temporarily closed as authorities and the manufacturer investigated what happened. The park has expressed condolences to Kariem’s loved ones and said it is cooperating with investigators.
Remembering the Man Behind the Headlines
As his family, colleagues and community grieve, stories like Prizer’s offer a glimpse into the life Kariem lived beyond the tragedy.
He was an educator who noticed when a child was struggling, took the time to offer comfort and remembered her progress months later. For Prizer and her daughter, that attention mattered.
His death has left a painful void, but the memories shared by families whose lives he touched are helping preserve the legacy of a man remembered for his generosity, compassion and dedication to young people.
Source: WSB-TV
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