Insurance Commissioner's office investigating amusement park death

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(The Center Square) – The Georgia Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner and Cobb County Police are investigating the death of a man that occurred on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. 

Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are investigating the incident that took place on Goliath, one of the Austell park's roller coasters, on Monday afternoon, according to Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. 

Cobb County Police identified the man as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, according to WSB-TV. The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting response from the Police Department.

The Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's office is responsible for inspecting amusement and carnival rides for safety. 

"Our investigative team is conducting an in‑depth and comprehensive review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures," said Garrison Bennett, press secretary for the office, in an email to The Center Square. "As this remains an open and ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide additional details at this time. We remain committed to sharing accurate and verified information with the public upon the conclusion of our investigation."

Inspections are completed before the rides are put into service, according to the department's website. Annual inspections are also made. The Center Square filed an open records request on Tuesday for the park's safety records. 

Six Flags closed eight other roller coasters, including Goliath, out of an abundance of caution, the company said in an email to The Center Square.

"We were deeply saddened by the guest incident at one of our parks yesterday. 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 company said in a statement. "The park team and local authorities responded immediately, and we cooperated fully with local authorities. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details at this time."

In a blog posted on Sept. 22, the company said it takes a multi-faceted approach to ride safety that includes independent third-party ride inspection firms, insurance inspectors and corporate engineering and safety professionals. 

"Every ride at Six Flags undergoes extensive inspection and maintenance procedures designed to meet or exceed manufacturer requirements and industry standards," the company said in the blog post.