Six Flags Over Georgia has altered the branding of one of its Halloween offerings in the wake of a deadly accident at the park. The Fright Fest production formerly billed as "Dr. Fright's Dead Man's Party" is now being advertised simply as "Dr. Fright's Party," a change first reported by USA Today and confirmed in the park's updated listings.
The revision follows the death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, a 42-year-old Atlanta educator who was ejected from the Goliath roller coaster on Monday. According to TMZ.com, the park shut down for several days after the incident and reopened on Friday.
The name change is not confined to Georgia. The same show at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey now appears under the shortened title as well, according to TMZ.com.
Goliath remains out of service while investigators examine the circumstances that led to Kariem being thrown from the ride. In the course of the accident, he struck other passengers and the coaster's tracks before coming to rest below the structure. Four children sustained injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Separately, Six Flags is proceeding with a Halloween attraction inspired by the "Final Destination" horror film series, a franchise whose third installment depicts a catastrophic roller coaster accident. The park has previously stated to TMZ.com that the attraction does not include any theme park scenes.
For local residents, the developments raise questions about safety protocols and how entertainment venues balance seasonal programming with sensitivity in the aftermath of a tragedy. The park continues to operate its Halloween events, though the renaming suggests a more cautious approach to how those attractions are presented.