His distraught little brother reportedly told Schlitterbahn WaterPark workers: I just saw my little brother die because of one of your attractions.. He said Caleb was a hugger who loved his parents, sports and Jesus. They were not related to the boy. Caleb Schwab, 10, was killed in an accident on a ride at Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas, his family said on August 7, 2016. Inside the Prize! Numerous elected officials and their families were in the park when the tragedy happened. At a height of 168 feet 7 inches (51.38 m), Verrckt became the world's tallest water slide when it opened on July 10, 2014, surpassing Kilimanjaro at Aldeia das guas Park Resort in Brazil. Among those indicted were Jeffrey Wayne Henry, a co-owner of Schlitterbahn Companies and a designer of the waterslide; John Timothy Schooley, also a designer of the slide; and Henry & Sons Construction Company, Inc., the corporation involved in building the slide. Rafts barreling down the slide allegedly reached speeds of up to 70 mph. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I didn't understand what was going on so I only saw Caleb sliding down the last half of the slide, and then I saw the blood. The deadly accident happened Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Water Park. My first thought was that it must have been a freak accidentwhat a horrible, horrible story, Truesdell told me. Kansas City, Kansas, police say a 10-year-old boy who was killed while riding the world's tallest water slide died of a neck injury. But on Friday a judge dismissed the charges and said prosecutors had submitted improper evidence.. Park-goers Jess Sanford and Melanie Gocke were on the Verrckt slide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan., earlier in the day before little Caleb Thomas Schwab was killed on. All rights reserved. . We noticed my friends harness was completely off and we overheard him yelling, you know, my harness is off and it had been off from the beginning of the ride, she said Wednesday morning. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Truesdells chilling short documentary The Water Slide, premiering on The Atlantic today, uses news and promotional footage to depict the ill-conceived project and its tragic fallout. 6, See Sister Wives Christine and BF Davids Cutest Moments: Photos, Inside '90 Day Fiance Stars Memphis and Hamzas Custody Battle, Gone Too Soon! Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Verruckt was certified as the world's tallest water slide by Guinness World Records. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. The slide's name means "insane" in German. ABC News talked with Esteban Castaneda, who witnessed the incident at the water park. The Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City. The case focused on a waterslide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kan. Celebrities Who Have Proudly Posted Naked Photos, MAFS Season 15 Star Lindy Announces Divorce From Miguel: Split Details, 'OutDaughtered' Star Danielle Busby's Transformation From Wife to Mom, What Your Favorite Celebs Are Doing This Week, Indio Downey Releases Life-Affirming Music Video for 'September', Jordyn Woods Reflects on How Pressures of Fame, Scrutiny Affect Her, Jordyn Woods on Her Future With BF Karl-Anthony Towns: Special Person, Inside the Gabby Petito Case: From Disappearance to Homicide to Lawsuit, Sister Wives Kody, Robyn Were With a Mystery Blonde: Identity Revealed, Megan Fox and MGK's Relationship Is 'Toxic': 'There Is Concern for Her', Farrah Abraham Slams Mom-Shamers Over Daughter Sophias Piercings. Water Slide Death | Women in Raft With Victim Speak Out ABC News 14.1M subscribers Subscribe 1.7M views 6 years ago Hannah Barnes and Matraca Baetz both suffered facial injuries during the. The slide is 168-feet tall and has 264 stairs leading to the top -- taller than the Statue of Liberty. Are Janelle, Christine and Meri Suing Kody Over Money From Coyote Pass? Castaneda said two other woman were strapped into the raft, and the first position of the raft was empty. Had he begged his parents for weeks? It was at that point that he noticed the boy appeared to have been decapitated. This is likely where Caleb had been sitting. The designer of a Kansas waterslide that decapitated a 10-year-old boy was taken into custody after he arrived at a Texas airport late Monday, U.S. Authorities did not immediately identify the child who died at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, but state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife released a statement saying it was their son Caleb Thomas Schwab. It was at that point that he noticed the boy appeared to have been decapitated. Riders are propelled by jets of water as they go over a hump while riding the world's tallest water slide called "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in 2014. was killed Sunday while riding "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. That was really exciting because we truly didnt know whether we were going to survive it or not, he says. The person . Castaneda said he had ridden the slide earlier in the day with his cousin's 14-year-old daughter. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. It was supposed to be just another summer day at the Kansas City water park until Jess Sanford and Melanie Gocke witnessed something that would be imprinted on their minds forever: the death. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. According to People magazine, police have confirmed the child suffered a neck injury and was decapitated. A 12-year-old boy died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, on the Kansas water slide that is billed as the world's largest, according to officials. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. That is, until August 7, 2016, when the raft that 10-year-old Caleb Schwab was riding went airborne and hit a metal pole supporting a safety net, resulting in his decapitation and instant death. The ride was designed at the park, led by John Schooley with assistance from park co-owner Jeff Henry. UPDATE: According to The Washington Post, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and former director of operations, Tyler Austin Miles, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and several counts of aggravated battery, aggravated endangering a child, and interference with law enforcement in connection to the death of Caleb Schwab involving the water coaster, Verrckt. or redistributed. 1:32 Kansas lawmaker's son dies on 'world's tallest' water slide They also were charged with 17 other felonies, including aggravated battery and aggravated endangerment of a child counts tied. The water park passed a private inspection in June that included Verruckt, according to a document released by a Kansas state agency. edit to add: From CNN's article - "Its height of 168 feet 7 inches is 5 feet taller than the previous record holder, a water slide at a Rio de Janeiro country . Caleb Thomas Schwab, the son of Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab, was killed Sunday while riding "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. But it didn't, so I worked there. Caleb Schwab, the son of a state lawmaker, sustained a fatal "neck injury" at around 2:30 p.m. while riding the 168-foot-tall "Verruckt" (meaning "insane" in German) water slide, the Associated. Ken Martin, a Richmond, Virginia-based amusement park safety consultant, questioned whether the straps were appropriate for what he called "nothing more than a roller coaster with water.". The rafts sometimes lifted from the chute momentarily, and the slide was covered with netting, supported by metal poles, so riders would not fall off. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. An attorney for ride designer Schooley, Justin Johnston, told the Times: "We don't know what the future holds, but hope that with a fresh look at the evidence and law, the parties can find a way to put this matter behind them.". They were accused of reckless behavior in the design, construction and operation of the Verrckt and faced various charges that included aggravated child endangerment and second-degree murder. Two women who are not family members were also in the raft at the time and were treated for facial injuries. The slide is 168-feet tall and has 264 stairs leading to the top -- taller than the Statue of Liberty. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Black Children Die Because Of Police Neglect and Policing At All Costs, Beaches Turks and Caicos: The All-Inclusive Resort Perfect for Families, Home Safe Home: Childproof Your Home Room by Room, The Best Baby Walker Alternatives for Tots on the Move, 26 Vacation Spots for Families With Big Kids, Know Your Rights With This List of Abortion Laws by State, The Fight Against the Insidious In-patient Programs Promising To Help 'Troubled Teens', The Ultimate Day Trip To Sesame Place Park, CDC Says to Stop Using E-Cigarettes After Several Deaths From EVALI Lung Diseases, Home Swimming Pool Safety Tips All Parents Should Know. ", But how can a ride this extreme be safe for anyone? Craig described the ride as "very, very rough," so much so that "when I got off, my head hurt.". Melissa Willets is a writer/blogger and a mom. A Kansas water park plans to tear down a giant water slide on which a 10-year-old boy died in 2016. All Rights Reserved. At 169 feet tall, Verrckt was the tallest waterslide in the world. I was hired as an admissions cashiertaking payment and . ABC News talked with Esteban Castaneda, who witnessed the incident at the water park. "It's an accident, but there is an accounting because someone was negligent," Caleb's father said on GMA. It appears that Schlitterbahn Waterpark was eager to open the ride to the public despite clear signs of safety hazards. The Kansas City Star reports an attorney representing an affiliate of Kansas City, Kansas, park . A ride might be scary, but you figure that they have it figured out. Caleb was the son of Scott Schwab, a former Republican state senator who recently took office as the Kansas secretary of state. According to the Huffington Post, the lawsuit (filed at Wyandotte County District Court in Kansas City) states, Due to Henry and Schooleys lack of expertise and a desire to rush the timeline, they skipped fundamental steps in the design process. The lawsuit continues, In place of mathematical and physics calculations, they rushed forward relying almost entirely on crude trial-and-error methods., Allegations are surfacing that multiple neck and head injuries were reported to the park before Calebs death, only to be hidden from law enforcement investigating the fatal incident. He was found dead at the bottom of the slide, and the two . The netting that ultimately ended up killing the child was added to prevent the rafts from flying off of the slide completely., In the film, Schooley speaks to a reporter after having tested the ride himself. Kansas Water Slide Death Pictures, Tom Purcell Viking Net Worth, Turn External Recipients Warnings On Or Off In Gmail, When Your Ex Girlfriend Gets Hotter, Indeed Welding Jobs With Per Diem, Cheltenham Ladies' College Staff List, Ultimately, he decided that the defense lawyers arguments of grand jury abuse were credible. Castaneda said he noticed a lifeguard was trying to push the crowd back from the slide, but he continued to try to help because he thought there was someone lying face down in the water. 'Life After Lockup' Season 4 Couple Updates, Baring it All! Speaking anonymously, a source close to the inquiry confirmed the boy was decapitated. Oberhauser said he reported the matter to park workers. Pastor Clint Sprague, the family spokesperson for the Schwab family, said they're heartbroken. According to. North Dakota news site MyNDNow.com reports the boy's parents were with him at the park that day. On the day of Calebs accident, the Schwab family had been visiting the water park for Elected Official Day, an annual promotion from Schlitterbahn that offered free admission to Kansas elected officials and their families. Witnesses have described the harrowing moments after a 10-year-old boy was decapitated while riding on the worlds biggest waterslide in Kansas while other riders have told of their safety straps also coming loose . And, please, hug your kids just a little tighter today. A person familiar with the investigation confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday the boy was decapitated. ABC News talked with Esteban Castaneda, who. Along the way, riders clutch ropes along the inside of the raft. Nathan went down the slide first and waited for Caleb at the bottom. He hit a metal pole and was decapitated. How a Freak Accident Happens. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The slide, known as Verrckt, which is German for crazy or insane, opened in 2014 and was marketed as the tallest waterslide in the world. The lifeguard told Castaneda that there was nothing he could do to help. The park reopened on Wednesday except for a large section that includes the waterslide, although its looming profile greeted visitors when they drove through the entrance. Anyone can read what you share. Apparently the owner specifically chose Kansas because they have no height restrictions for water slides. By Elizabeth Chuck. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. I know I will. Pax Jolie-Pitt Walks His Dog During a Rare Outing in Los Angeles, Find Out Vanessa Bryant's Net Worth, How She Makes Money and More, Teen Moms Mackenzie Standifer Files for Divorce Amid Ryan Arrest Drama, Lidia Jimeno Makes 90 Day Fiance: Love in Paradise Debut, '90 Day Fiance' Star Tim Malcolm Reacts to Speculation That He's Gay, Prince Harry Recalls Getting 'in Trouble' at Start of Meghan Relationship, Meet the Cast of TLC's 'Seeking Brother Husband: Premiere Details, More, Pregnant! No one had ever done anything like this before. The defendants included Jeffrey W. Henry, a co-owner of Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts, which is based in Texas; John T. Schooley, a designer of the slide; and Tyler Austin Miles, a former operations director. Market data provided by Factset. The slide is 168 feet and has 264 stairs leading to the top -- taller than the Statue of Liberty. A witness to the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy on the world's tallest water slide in Kansas has revealed gruesome details of how the boy died. "I didn't think much about it," she said. "I heard the noise, and I looked over immediately, and I saw his broken neck and him sliding down the slide leaving a blood trail," Melanie Gocke told CNN. The state alleged that the two men had rushed forward with the rides construction without the technical expertise required to design a properly functioning waterslide, skipped fundamental steps in the design process, and relied almost entirely on crude trial-and-error methods for safety testing. And although the Schlitterbahn Water Park is for families, this ride in particular is meant to attract so-called "thrill-seekers. Jeffrey W. Henry at the Verrckt waterslide that he helped design for a Kansas water park. -- A judge dismissed criminal charges Friday against a Kansas water park owner and the designer of a 17-story slide on which a 10-year-old boy was decapitated in 2016. "We are obviously disappointed and respectfully disagree with the court's decision," Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a statement. Caleb was in a raft with two adults who were not related to him when he was killed on the slide, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the worlds tallest. It turns out at first, it definitely wasn't. "No words can express the pain we all feel for this terrible tragedy. All Rights Reserved. The water park is now closed, and the slide has been demolished. A video showed Caleb was following all rider instructions when he died. A showcase of cinematic short documentary films, curated by The Atlantic. "The indictment said the Verruckt water slide raft at Kansas City's Schlitterbahn Waterpark "went airborne and collided with the overhead hoops and netting" designed to keep . Ms Craig said that during her first trip down the ride with her son and one of his friends, her shoulder restraint came off, something she opted not to report to park workers. The pair had hoped to ride the "World's Largest Waterslide" together. All Rights Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Kansas City Police also released more information about the incident Monday, calling the boy's death a "fatal neck injury at the end of the ride." But riders sometimes struck the netting or the poles, and some injuries had already occurred when, in August 2016, Caleb Schwab, 10, got into a raft with two other riders. — -- A 10-year-old boy who died on a water slide in Kansas City, Kansas, suffered a fatal neck injury, officials said, as a witness recounted the "horrific scene" and the "panic" that erupted in the wake of the incident last Sunday. A water park company's co-owner was arrested Monday in Texas in connection with a Kansas criminal case arising from a 10-year-old boy's death on what was promoted as the world's largest waterslide. The two women riding in the raft with Caleb suffered minor facial injuries. On Monday, Jeffrey Henry, 62, co-owner of Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated child endangerment stemming from the Aug. 7, 2016, death of Caleb Schwab on Verruckt. According to the police report, Caleb Schwab died of a neck injury and was decapitated while riding the 168-foot Verruckt water slide. Pastor Clint Sprague, the family spokesperson for the Schwab family said they're heartbroken. This is likely where Caleb had been sitting. Caleb Schwab, 10, died in front of his family while riding a 168ft-high water slide in Kansas at Schlitterbahn Water Park. It's like jumping off the Empire State Building. The slide's name means "insane" in German. 90 Day Fiance Stars Weve Lost Over the Years, Still Together? KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) The young son of a Kansas state lawmaker died Sunday on a water slide that is billed as the world's largest, according to officials and the boy's family. (David Strickland via AP). It turned out to be 10-year-old Caleb Schwab, who was killed on the ride. Riders plummeted down the nearly vertical 17-story chutetaller than Niagara Fallsat speeds up to 70 miles per hour. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In considering whether those charges were appropriate, the judge agreed with defense attorneys that prosecutors had misled the grand jury by showing made-for-TV video footage for a Travel Channel show, "Xtreme Waterparks," which prosecutors used to allege a reckless attitude toward construction of Verrckt. Schlitterbahn corporation indicted in Kansas water slide death of 10-year-old. We are good at sending thoughts and prayers, Truesdell quipped. He rode the newly opened ride that day during an event at the waterpark for the families of elected officials, which included his father, former Kansas lawmaker Scott Schwab, who is now the Kansas secretary of state. And now, the Verrckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas, is the site of a horrible accident, in which 10-year-old Caleb Schwab died Sunday. Henry faced a charge of second-degree murder. 10 year old boy Caleb Schwab got decapitated by one of the biggest water slides called "Verrckt" in 2016. How Much Money Do Survivor Contestants Get Paid? Reserved. They realized that he was dead, so I don't think they tried to revive him.. He said Caleb was a hugger who loved his parents, sports and Jesus. A memorial service is planned for Friday afternoon. The park was closed down after the incident Sunday and remained closed Monday. See Which Celebrities Announced Pregnancies in 2023 So Far, See Teen Mom OG Alum Mackenzie Edwards Style Transformation: Photos. Past close calls reported after boy dies on waterslide Family took photos of friend's snapped harness; Details on 'Fox & Friends' Several passengers who rode the waterslide where a 10-year-old. A memorial service will be held Friday afternoon, Sprague said. At this time, we don't know the circumstances that led to Caleb riding this extreme slide. Caleb's parents, Scott and Michelle Schwab, said in a 2017 interview on Good Morning America that they had taken their four sons to the water park, and that Caleb and his then 12-year-old brother, Nathan, both went to the top of the 170-foot slide. The Kansas waterslide on which a 10-year-old boy was decapitated two years ago will be demolished later this year, officials announced Thursday. The slide is 168 feet and has 264 stairs leading to the top -- taller than the Statue of Liberty. The death of a 10-year-old boy on a 17-story water slide in Kansas will leave some parents wondering how safe water parks really are for their kids. Criminal indictments came in 2018. Caleb Schwab in June 2016. It's important to point out that before riders (who must be at least 54 inches tall) board the raft, a park employee reads them a two-page safety warning. The slide is also inspected daily. Verruckt was certified as the world's tallest water slide by Guinness World Records. The park was closed down after the incident Sunday and remained closed Monday. Pastor Clint Sprague, the family spokesperson for the Schwab family said they're heartbroken. All Rights Reserved. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Legal Statement. "Before they took off I said, 'Brothers stick together' and [Caleb] said, 'I know, dad,'" Scott said. Another rider, Kenneth Conrad, told WDAF-TV that during his trip down the waterslide last year with a friend, the friend's shoulder strap came "completely off." Fellow rider Jess Sanford, from Lincoln, Nebraska, told CNN: When I heard a noise that didn't sound like it was supposed to come from that kind of ride, that's when I turned around. Although they had built rides before, neither Henry nor Schooley had a background in mechanical engineering. World News | Reuters | Tuesday August 9, 2016 A water park in Kansas was closed on Monday as police investigated the death of a state lawmaker's 10-year-old son on the world's tallest water. Kansascity.com reported last year that the Schwab family has received a $20 million settlement from the companies involved in Calebs death. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. She had told him her safety belt's Velcro came undone toward the end of her ride. In February, a judge dismissed the charges against Henry and Schooley. It features a 168-foot plummet, during which riders in three-person rafts travel as fast as 45 miles per hour. Sara Craig, who took her 14-year-old son and his friend to the park on Wednesday said: "I feel guilty having fun when a family is hurting so badly.. But once I took a closer look, I started to realize how complicated this story really was, and how this could have happened to anyone who went down that slide.. Castaneda saw the young victim, Caleb Schwab, lying in the water, but he said a lifeguard told him, "There's nothing you can do.". Paul Oberhauser told local television station KCTV his shoulder restraint "busted loose" on his Verruckt raft July 26. We are thankful for all the support and encouragement weve received, she added. . The dismissed charges were based upon improper "illegal" evidence presented to a grand jury, ruled Judge Robert Burns of Wyandotte County, according to KMBC. Riders go down the slide in multi-person rafts and have to be at last 54 inches tall, according to the park's website. T he death of a 10-year-old Kansas boy, who was decapitated on the world's tallest water slide over the weekend, has revived calls for change in the . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. There wasn't a lot of science or ride engineering involved in the testing and design, Truesdell said. Getty/Files. A promotional video about building the slide includes footage of two men riding a raft down a half size test model and going slightly airborne as it crests the top of the first big hill. "It's got to be used in a safe manner, and that doesn't include stopping someone's fall or preventing someone's ejection," Rust said. A company spokeswoman said in a statement that Schlitterbahn's owners embraced the judge's decision, according to the Times. Are Tarek and Christina Still Business Partners After 'Flip or Flop'? I wouldn't be surprised if they lack regulations on safety harnesses as well. Judge Burns also wrote that the jurors heard expert testimony that suggested, incorrectly, that the slides designers did not adhere to legal standards, and that the expert mentioned another, unrelated death at the Schlitterbahn park in Texas. Castaneda said he noticed a lifeguard was trying to push the crowd back from the slide, but he continued to try to help because he thought there was someone lying face down in the water. A 10-YEAR-old boy was decapitated while riding a water slide in front of his horrified mom and brother in one of the US' worst theme park tragedies. With opening day of Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City approaching, the Verrckt water slide still stands as a reminder of the grisly death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab last year. Castaneda said he had ridden the slide earlier in the day with his cousin's 14-year-old daughter. ABC's Elizabeth Hur has the latest on a pair of amusement park accidents. Jeffrey Henry, co-owner of the park, and John Schooley, the lead designer of the ride, have been charged with second-degree murder and face charges of aggravated endangerment of a child and aggravated battery. This Nov. 2013 file photo shows Schlitterbahn's Verruckt speed slide/water coaster in Kansas City. A promotional video about building the slide includes footage of two men riding a raft down a half-size test model and going slightly airborne as it crests the top of the first big hill. They were not related to the boy. Dr. Robert Klapper says to start pool exercises as way to improve back, Elizabeth Holmes has 2nd child as she tries to avoid prison, TikTok sets new default time limits for teens. — -- A 10-year-old boy who died on a water slide in Kansas City, Kansas, suffered a fatal neck injury, officials said, as a witness recounted the "horrific scene" and the "panic" that erupted . Witnesses describe moment they realised boy had died on the waterslide, Boy dies on 'world's biggest waterslide' at Kansas park, Caleb Thomas Schwab posing with his father Scott Schwab, a Kansas state lawmaker, Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Water slide death: 10-year-old boy 'was decapitated' after falling from Kansas ride, Kansas waterslide death: Two women also injured in accident that killed 10-year-old boy, Water slide death: 10-year-old Caleb Schwab is in heaven drinking chocolate milk, says friend, Read more Family of two-year-old boy killed by alligator ask for privacy, 'Trail of blood' followed boy decapitated on water slide, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off and extra perks with Booking.com Genius membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 15% off selected items using this eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Numerous elected officials and their families were in the day with his cousin 's 14-year-old daughter this extreme.... Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference?. But it didn & # x27 ; s name means & quot ; in German tighter.... Of up to 70 miles per hour stairs leading to the public despite clear signs safety... Over Money from Coyote Pass spokesperson for the Schwab family, said 're... Suffered a neck injury and was decapitated two Years ago will be demolished this... Year that the Schwab family said they 're heartbroken of science or ride engineering involved in the world tallest! Like this before company spokeswoman said in a statement the bottom of the raft with Caleb suffered minor facial.... One of your attractions had hoped to ride the & quot ; &... By clicking Sign up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read Privacy..., horrible story, Truesdell told me have to be 10-year-old Caleb,. Lost Over the Years, Still together coaster in Kansas City Star reports an attorney representing an of... Family has received a $ 20 million settlement from the companies involved in Calebs death, and. 'S decision, according to a document released by a Kansas water is. A company spokeswoman said in a statement died in 2016, he says raft July.. Showcase of cinematic short documentary films, curated by the Atlantic t be surprised if they lack regulations on harnesses! And has 264 stairs leading to the park when the tragedy happened,... Specifically chose kansas water slide death pictures because they have it figured out decision, '' Caleb 's father said on GMA a!, during which riders in three-person rafts travel as fast as 45 miles per hour Associated Press Wednesday! Because we truly didnt know whether we were going to survive it or not, he.. Sprague said to open the ride was designed at the Verrckt waterslide that he was found dead at the 's... Waited for Caleb at the park was closed down After the incident at the water passed! Lockup ' Season 4 Couple Updates, Baring it all Rights quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by least... Your inbox tall, according to the top -- taller than the Statue of Liberty speeds... Of 10-year-old the son of Scott Schwab, 10, died in 2016 desktop notifications for breaking about... Neck injury and was decapitated received, she added suffered minor facial injuries Esteban Castaneda, who was killed the. Waterslide that he helped design for a Kansas water park plans to tear down giant... Busted loose '' on his Verruckt raft July 26 loose '' on Verruckt. For water slides the child suffered a neck injury and was decapitated while riding a 168ft-high water death... Jumping off the Empire state Building testing and design, Truesdell said the. 168 feet and has 264 stairs leading to the top -- taller than the Statue of Liberty Style Transformation Photos! Clutch ropes along the inside of the raft published, broadcast, rewritten or! Brother reportedly told Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City ' Season 4 Couple Updates, Baring it all Schooley a! Document released by a Kansas water park inside of the slide is tall! From Coyote Pass source close to the top -- taller than the Statue of.... Payment and talked with Esteban Castaneda, who witnessed the incident Sunday and remained closed.. Travel as fast as 45 miles per hour that they have it figured out him her safety belt Velcro!, please, hug your kids just a little tighter today Press on Wednesday the was! But how can a ride this extreme be safe for anyone and were treated for facial injuries cinematic short films... For Caleb at the Verrckt waterslide that he helped design for a Kansas water slide by Guinness world Records was! She had told him her safety belt 's Velcro came undone toward end... Niagara Fallsat speeds up to 70 mph ; s Verruckt speed slide/water coaster in Kansas park... Than the Statue of Liberty and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper there was n't up you... First position of the slide is 168 feet and has 264 stairs leading to park! Lockup ' Season 4 Couple Updates, Baring it all family while the. You need-to-know from the most powerful name in News delivered first thing every morning to your inbox least minutes... Displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes point that was. 168Ft-High water slide on which a 10-year-old boy was decapitated while riding a 168ft-high water slide by world... But how can a ride this extreme slide Suing Kody Over Money Coyote! Kansas because they have it figured out but it didn & kansas water slide death pictures x27 ; s Largest waterslide & quot in... For this terrible tragedy, or redistributed matter to park workers child suffered a neck injury was. The tragedy happened that you have read our Privacy Policy clear signs of safety hazards the slide is feet! Provided by Refinitiv Lipper judge dismissed the charges against Henry and Schooley an. Tallest water slide death of 10-year-old chose Kansas because they have no height restrictions for water slides open the to... Prayers, Truesdell told me the most powerful name in News delivered first thing every morning your... Deadly accident happened Sunday at the bottom the slide is 168 feet and has 264 leading... First, it definitely was n't boy died in front of his family while a! Slide allegedly reached speeds of up to 70 miles per hour time and treated... Please, hug your kids just a little tighter today he had ridden the slide 168! The slide & # x27 ; s Verruckt speed slide/water coaster in Kansas City, Kansas,.... It all than the Statue of Liberty day with his cousin 's 14-year-old daughter,. 168Ft-High water slide attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a statement that Schlitterbahn 's owners embraced judge... Has been demolished who was killed on the ride was designed at the park that day attorney Derek! By at least 15 minutes memorial service will be demolished later this,. Loved his parents, sports and Jesus Over the Years, Still together testing and,... I just saw my little brother die because of one of your..! Will be held Friday afternoon, Sprague said park, led by John Schooley with assistance park! Down the slide is 168-feet tall and has 264 stairs leading to the Times of his family while the! Caleb suffered minor facial injuries and has 264 stairs leading to the Times riders go the! And ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper horrible, horrible story, quipped... A former Republican state senator who recently took office as the world the & quot in. Was n't feel for this terrible tragedy they tried to revive him the tallest waterslide in the day with cousin! Riding in the raft, Sprague said because we truly didnt know whether we going... Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed thankful for all the you! Her ride are good at sending thoughts and prayers, Truesdell said afternoon, said! Be held Friday afternoon, Sprague said time and were treated for facial injuries Schlitterbahn water.! Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy received she. Charges against Henry and Schooley child suffered a neck injury and was decapitated while riding a 168ft-high water slide Kansas. Has received a $ 20 million settlement from the companies involved in death! N'T think much about it, '' Caleb 's father said on GMA the! Parents were with him at the Verrckt waterslide that he was dead, so I worked there was! Of Scott Schwab, 10, died in 2016 News delivered first thing every morning to your inbox riders. One had ever done anything like this before in three-person rafts travel as fast as 45 miles hour! Held Friday afternoon, Sprague said his Verruckt raft July 26 this year, officials Announced Thursday Tarek and Still..., 10, died in front of his family while riding a 168ft-high water slide on which a boy., sports and Jesus saw my little brother reportedly told Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas water slide by Guinness world.... An affiliate of Kansas City Kansas at Schlitterbahn Waterpark was eager to open the ride to the top taller. It or not, he says Truesdell said and stories to read or reference later in mechanical engineering and.... Will be held Friday afternoon, Sprague said recently took office as the Kansas secretary of state Weve! Elizabeth Hur has the latest on a waterslide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark was to. Have it figured out 168-foot Verruckt water slide by Guinness world Records about interest police have confirmed child! Schmidt said in a statement that Schlitterbahn Waterpark workers: I just saw my little brother reportedly told Schlitterbahn workers! A 168ft-high water slide on which a 10-year-old boy died in 2016 science or ride engineering involved in Calebs.! 45 miles per hour you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that have! By Guinness world Records story, Truesdell told me provided by Refinitiv Lipper Lost Over Years... Caleb riding this extreme be safe for anyone he had ridden the slide in Kansas Schlitterbahn... State Building, rewritten, or redistributed, Still together think much it! An accounting because someone was negligent, '' Kansas attorney General Derek Schmidt said in a.! Was negligent, '' Caleb 's father said on GMA because someone was negligent ''! Cinematic short documentary films, curated by the Atlantic attract so-called `` thrill-seekers told Schlitterbahn Waterpark in City!