DEKALB COUNTY, GA — Friends, family and community members will gather Monday to remember an Atlanta educator who died after falling from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia one week ago.
A celebration of life for 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Kariem will be held Monday afternoon at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam in DeKalb County. Kariem will then be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery.
Kariem died last Monday after falling from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Kariem worked at Atlanta’s Wesley International Academy for more than a decade as an IT specialist and technology teacher. He also coached the school’s after-school robotics program.
Students and staff are returning to classes Monday for the first time since Kariem’s death after being on fall break last week.
The school will have grief counselors and emotional support services available on campus Monday morning for students and staff.
In a statement, school leaders acknowledged that things would not simply return to “business as usual” following Kariem’s death. Officials said the school community will navigate the loss together while honoring his lasting impact.
Meanwhile, state officials and Cobb County police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Kariem’s death.
State investigators are examining the roller coaster’s operations. The ride’s most recent inspection in March found no issues.
Cobb County police are also involved in the investigation to determine whether any criminal charges are warranted.
Six Flags Over Georgia reopened over the weekend, but the Goliath roller coaster remains closed indefinitely as the investigation continues.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons and MaryRyan Howarth contributed to this story.