Six Flags CEO John Reilly mandates seatbelts on Goliath following fatal rider ejection

John Reilly, chief executive of Six Flags, has ordered the installation of seatbelts on the Goliath rollercoaster. The change follows the death of a rider who was ejected from the attraction earlier this month at the company's Georgia location.

Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old father and educator, fell from his seat while riding Goliath. The coaster features a 165-foot drop followed by an 180-foot plunge. As Kariem fell, he struck other cars on the ride. Georgia authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.

In response to the fatal fall, Six Flags temporarily shut down Goliath and eight rides across five other parks. Reilly stated that seatbelts will also be installed on other coasters that use a similar restraint system, though he did not specify which rides are included. Goliath currently uses a lap bar that locks across the rider's waist, a design produced by Bolliger & Mabillard.

Reilly wrote on Friday that the incident deeply affected the company and that safety has always been fundamental to the guest experience. He added that trust is earned through actions rather than words. The company said it will continue to communicate progress and hold itself accountable to its commitments.

The park has brought in an independent review of safety procedures covering all attractions. This safety overhaul comes as Six Flags faces a lawsuit regarding its X2 ride at Magic Mountain. A group of former riders alleges they suffered brain injuries on X2 and accuse the park of operating a defective coaster. Six Flags permanently closed X2 in September.

A recent CNN investigation revealed a long record of brain injuries and at least two deaths connected to the X2 coaster. Court documents show the plaintiffs claim negligence for keeping the ride running. Six Flags is addressing these legal and safety issues while implementing the new restraint standards.