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ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014<\/p>\nORLANDO, Fla. \u2014<\/p>\n
SeaWorld Orlando has reopened its Mako roller coaster following what was about a week-long closure after the death of a man who fell from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. <\/p>\n
Mako’s closure was said to be precautionary because its manufacturer \u2014the Swiss company Bolliger & Mabillard \u2014 is the same as Goliath, as well as four other roller coasters at SeaWorld Orlando: Manta, Pipeline, Penguin Trek, and Kraken. <\/p>\n
>>Past coverage in video below: Central Florida roller coasters under scrutiny after death at Six Flags in Georgia <\/p>\n
A spokesperson for SeaWorld Orlando confirmed Tuesday to WESH 2 News that Mako had reopened and is operating, but has not yet responded to our inquiries regarding any further details on potential repairs or modifications to the ride. <\/p>\n
The man who died last week in Georgia was identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem<\/a>, a 42-year-old school employee from Atlanta. Witnesses described seeing him ejected from the coaster<\/a>; some people who rode the Goliath before him raised concerns about its restraints. <\/p>\n In a previous statement, ride maker Bolliger & Mabillard said it was actively investigating the incident in Georgia and would not comment further until it attained a better understanding of what happened, adding, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident.” <\/p>\n Tyre Sampson and Kevin Rodriguez Zavala <\/p>\n Attorney Michael Haggard, who has represented the families of those killed or injured on rides, said Kariem’s death should have prompted every park to close all rides made by Bolliger & Mabillard until a full investigation is complete. <\/p>\n “I would be very concerned,” Haggard said. “The question surrounds itself as ‘Are these restraint systems proper? Are they dual restraint systems, meaning a lap bar and a seat belt? What is the situation?’ And yes, every ride has the same risk of someone being ejected.” <\/p>\n Haggard represented the family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson<\/a>, who fell to his death from the Free Fall ride on International Drive in March 2022. <\/p>\n An investigation revealed the seat restraint system was improperly manipulated, which allowed the boy to slip out. The state has since made law of the “Tyre Sampson Act<\/a>,” which made such changes as ordering the hiring of 14 new safety inspectors, directing ride operators to pay the fees for unannounced inspections and safety tests, and arranging for new employee training requirements, to name a few. <\/p>\n Kariem’s death also follows that of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala<\/a>, who died in September 2025 after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando. <\/p>\n