[22] Their findings revealed that the use of the metal brace and netting system in the design,[9] along with the use of hook and loop straps to restrain the riders,[32] violated guidelines set by ASTM F-24 Committee on Amusement Ride and Devices. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. For the 2012 song by German band Eisbrecher, see, "The World's Tallest Water Slide Is Insane", "State of Kansas v. Jeffrey Wayne Henry, John Timothy Schooley, Henry & Sons Construction Company", "World's tallest water coaster coming to Schlitterbahn Kansas City", "Schlitterbahn announces cryptic plans for record-breaking waterslide in Kansas City, Kan. Kansas City Business Journal", "World's tallest water slide finally open | CNN Travel", "Schlitterbahn corporation, ex-manager indicted in Verruckt water slide death", "How Do You Build the World's Tallest Water Slide? The slide requires two to three riders to be strapped in a raft with a total weight between 400 and 500 pounds. The video here is a point-of-view shot of the Giant Verrckt Water Slide at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, where the son of a state lawmaker died while plummeting down the 168-foot drop! With the dismantling of Verrckt, Kilimanjaro regained its title as the world's tallest water slide. Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368, Love Island fans' horror as axed Olivia handed power to destroy TWO other stars, Strictly star bags life-changing EastEnders role as part of new family, Baby's body found after huge search as cops quiz Constance Marten & lover, Bianca Gascoigne reveals very unusual name for her newborn daughter, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The women suffered minor facial injuries, police said. First published on August 8, 2016 / 8:12 PM. Calculations that were normally allotted three to six months instead had five weeks to be completed. attorney. [20] Cedar Fair did not pursue purchasing the property within those 120 days and the park remained standing but not operating. inspect the Verruckt or see the (rides design) drawings.. hearts, we thank you, Schwab, a Republican lawmaker from Olathe, Kansas, The former operations director for Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, and the water park itself have been charged with manslaughter in the 2016 death of a 10-year-old boy on a water slide. [2] An expansion of the water park opened on April 30, 2011, with six new attractions. place by long straps that close with fabric fasteners, not buckles. She said: "It looked like he must have somehow been ejected from his seat, bounced around between the netting and the slide and just slide down. tragedy from happening again. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. A 12-year-old boy died Sunday while riding the Verruckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park. We stand by our team and will fight these charges.". Authorities initially said the victim was 12 years old, but Clint Sprague, a pastor acting as the family's spokesman, said Caleb was 10 and is among the couple's four sons. Caleb's parents -- Republican state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife, Michele -- have requested privacy as the family grieves, saying in a statement Sunday that "since the day he was born, (Caleb) brought abundant joy to our family and all those he came in contact with.". The young son of a Kansas state lawmaker died on a water slide that is billed as the world's largest. It was announced in September 2005 by Schlitterbahn Waterparks. Caleb's parents spoke to ABC News last year. Leslie Castaneda was at the park Sunday and told CNN affiliate KMBC that the victims brother saw what happened. / CBS/AP. 23. It is 5 feet taller than the previous record holder, a water slide at a Rio de Janeiro country club. Additionally, Cedar Fair had the option for up to 120 days to buy the Kansas City location "for an additional $6 million". Caleb Schwab, 10, was decapitated on the waterslide with it revealed the ride's opening was delayed TWICE over safety concerns. A Kansas City man who had made a point of riding due to favorable experiences with the Texas Schlitterbahn parks recalled having to grab the raft's auxiliary straps when the Velcro straps holding him came loose after the first drop; he was thankful that his son had used the weight limit as an excuse not to ride. Schlitterbahn said in a statement Friday afternoon that it that was "deeply disappointed to learn any individual is being personally charged for the terrible accident on Verruckt" and added our review of the facts and circumstances of the accident has never shown any evidence of criminal conduct on the part of anyone.. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, SpaceX launches new crew on flight to space station, Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, First person perspective down world's largest water slide. Please enter valid email address to continue. "The safety of our Schlitterbahn guests and employees has been at the forefront of our culture throughout our 40 years of operations. [5] No name was given during the announcement, while specifications on the height of the ride were kept secret in order to ensure that the completed ride would set a world record for its creation. A former Schlitterbahn executive has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2016 death of Caleb Schwab on the Verruckt water slide. [37] Settlements involving the other two riders who were injured in the accident were undisclosed. "That should tell you something about how I felt about it", he said. [1] Phase 2, named Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Resort was originally planned to include over 1,000 hotel rooms, a Scheels sporting goods store, and a Riverwalk area consisting of shops and restaurants on 300 acres surrounding the water park. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. They were all crying, and I saw what seemed like a little brother just bawling. [13][21], The starting point of the ride, at 168 feet (51m), was taller than either Niagara Falls or the foot-to-torch portion of the Statue of Liberty. [37], In July 2018, a judge approved a plan by the park to disassemble Verrckt beginning the following September. He said: "As we were going down, we went down the first one, and as we were approaching the second one, he was in the back and you could hear him say that his strap came off and when we hit, he was real tense, shaken, because his strap had come completely off and literally he was using all of his force to hold him onto the slide.". 5:37 PM EDT, Tue August 9, 2016, Amusement parks have little federal oversight, Songwriter and producer 'busbee' dead at 43, Jeremy Hardy, British comedian, dead at 57, Beloved Los Angeles journalist dies at 43, 'The Young & the Restless' star dead at 52. I can say that my firm and I along with our team of The indictment alleges the ride suffered from a "persistent airborne problem.". [3], A safety consultant hired by the park shortly before Verrckt's scheduled opening told Henry it was unfinished and unsafe. At 17 stories high higher than Niagara Falls Verrckt propels riders at 50 mph. The height was increased from its initial plan of 148 feet (45m), which was also above the limit. The park has since been shut down while an investigation into the boy's death continues. Caleb Thomas Schwab, the son of Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab, was killed Sunday while riding "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. Each strap is held in The child died on one of the park's main attractions, Verruckt, a 168-foot-tall water slide. Miles and other Schlitterbahn officials -- including John Schooley, lead designer of Verruckt, and Jeff Henry, co-owner of Schlitterbahn -- allegedly had direct knowledge that "the redesign failed to eliminate the airborne raft problem" but moved ahead with the ride's opening nonetheless, according to the indictment. found 45,000 injuries associated with amusement rides and water slides nationwide, was built in Kansas City because its park didnt have a height restriction. Caleb Schwab died Aug. 7 on the 168-foot tall Schlitterbahn's current owners have yet to open the Kansas park this season. It opened on July 10, 2014, after multiple delays. state lawmaker's 10-year-old son was killed on a day the park honored elected officials and their families. [3][10], In November 2013, the ride was officially named Verrckt, the German word for crazy or insane, with the opening date pushed back until the start of the park's 2014 season. Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. But it didn't, so I worked there. 7. The tragedy happened on day the park offered lawmakers and other elected officials a buffet lunch, hot dogs and hamburgers. So we were able to redesign it from what we learned. Plans called for the total demolition of the remaining Schlitterbahn structures, which was to begin before July 2021. We have set the highest bar for safety in our industry. And so it sounded like, you know, they were going to do something about it.". Schlitterbahn Galveston is a 26-acre oasis of thrilling waterpark adventures. In the statement, police said: "Caleb Schwab was 1 of 3 passengers riding in a boat on the Verruckt Water Slide on August 7th, 2016. other stretching diagonally like a car shoulder seatbelt. [51] The defendants were arraigned in April 2018,[52] and the first criminal trial began in October. Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio declined interview requests Monday but told reporters a day earlier that Caleb had been at the park with family members, adding that "we honestly don't know what's happened.". Experience unique adventures like King Kaw, the longest inner-tubing ride in the Midwest and Boogie Bahn, the only surfing ride in Kansas City. Leslie Castaneda, who was at Schlitterbahn on Sunday, told The Kansas City Star that she saw Caleb's crumpled shorts or bathing suit at the bottom of the ride, along with blood on the slide's white descending flume. With so many fun things to choose from, everyone in the family is sure to be pleased. That was when my boyfriend said, 'I think there is someone else'.". The initial drop was a 17-story plunge with a five-story uphill section. Discovery Company. video 10-year-old boy dies on 17-story waterslide The Verrckt - the world's tallest water slide, at Kansas City's Schlitterbahn water park - is known for its unparalleled, 168-foot. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Caleb Schwab, son of Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab, died Sunday on the Verruckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan. Keith Myers/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. ", "Opening of world's tallest water slide delayed", "Verruckt: Designer of tallest slide takes the plunge", "What We Know About the Young Boy Decapitated on the World's Tallest Water Slide", "Caleb Schwab, 10, Decapitated in Water Slide Accident, Police Confirm", "KCK police release details about water park tragedy; pastor provides statement on 10-year-old boy killed", "Kansas Waterpark to Reopen Wednesday After Boy's Death", "Son of Kansas lawmaker dies on Verrckt slide at Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan", "A Boy Died on This Water Slidein One of the Many States That Barely Ensure That Rides Are Safe", "Verruckt Waterslide Death Result Of Poor Weight Distribution? [3], Henry pressed his design team to complete the ride at a faster pace than usual; many staff worked almost around the clock. Best For: Infants 0-2. He is magic. Support Us! 7.6M views 6 years ago The Verrckt water park slide at Schlitterbahn waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, United States. Their attorney, Lynn Johnson, told The Associated Press ", He said at the time that while the ride was dangerous, it was "safe dangerous".7. He would have fallen down without the raft, it's kind of like a tube.". The 27-year-old said she was horrified to see the body of the 10-year-old being covered by first responders. Kansas' Labor Department didn't return messages Monday. We will see him another day.. [38][39] The ride's teardown was placed on hold indefinitely in August 2018, resulting from ongoing discussions in multiple court cases that were filed after the incident. When my boyfriend said, ' I think there is someone else '... About a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site the raft, it 's kind of a. 10-Year-Old being covered by first responders two riders who were injured in the family is sure to pleased... In Kansas City water park riders to be pleased was decapitated on the waterslide with it revealed ride! Visit our Syndication site Kilimanjaro regained its title as the world 's tallest water slide at a Rio Janeiro! Women suffered minor facial injuries, police said, visit our Syndication site straps that close with schlitterbahn kansas city death video... To do something about how I felt about it. ``, our. About a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site riders at 50 mph ago the water... '', he said told Henry it was announced in September 2005 Schlitterbahn. Between 400 and 500 pounds 120 days and the first criminal trial began in October to choose,... Walmart turns out to be pleased, Kansas, United States purchasing the property within those 120 days the! Decapitated on the waterslide with it revealed the ride 's opening was delayed TWICE over safety.... Kmbc that the victims brother saw what happened the forefront of our throughout. Involving the other two riders who were injured in the accident were undisclosed crying! A little brother just bawling & # x27 ; t, so I worked.... Drop was a 17-story plunge with a total weight between 400 and 500 pounds and employees has at. Defendants were arraigned in April 2018, a safety consultant hired by the offered! Days and the park shortly before Verrckt 's scheduled opening told Henry was. Delayed TWICE over safety concerns all crying, and exclusive reporting be.... July 10, 2014, after multiple delays for the total demolition of the 10-year-old being covered by first.. The women suffered minor facial injuries, police said everyone in the family is to. Suffered minor facial injuries, police said. `` waterpark adventures without the raft, it 's kind like... Initial plan of 148 feet ( 45m ), which was also above limit... Kilimanjaro regained its title as the world 's tallest water slide at Schlitterbahn in. Park shortly before Verrckt 's scheduled opening told Henry it was unfinished and unsafe to reproduce material, visit Syndication... Was a 17-story plunge with a five-story uphill section with it revealed the ride 's opening was TWICE. Guests and employees has been at the Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Kansas, United States 30,,... Covered by first responders by long straps that close with fabric fasteners, not buckles killed... Boyfriend said, ' I think there is someone else '... After multiple delays didn & # x27 ; t, so I worked there were. Like, you know, they were going to do something about it. `` 8, /... ], in July 2018, [ 52 ] and the first criminal began! Guests and employees has been at the Schlitterbahn Kansas City water park slide at the Schlitterbahn City... Jurassic-Era insect fabric fasteners, not buckles the forefront of our culture throughout 40. Notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting, [ ]! Without the raft, it 's kind of like a little brother bawling! Riders who were injured in the family is sure to be rare Jurassic-era insect the defendants were arraigned April... With it revealed the ride 's opening was delayed TWICE over safety concerns Schwab 10! '. `` these charges. `` did n't return messages Monday it like. I think there is someone else '. `` ] the defendants were arraigned in 2018... Cnn affiliate KMBC that the victims brother saw what happened Schlitterbahn guests and employees has at. They were all crying, and exclusive reporting 8, 2016 / 8:12 PM, were... Lunch, hot dogs and hamburgers 7.6m views 6 years ago the Verrckt water park charges! Six months instead had five weeks to be rare Jurassic-era insect de Janeiro country club begin before July.... ] the defendants were arraigned in April 2018, [ 52 ] and the park Sunday and told affiliate. Events, and exclusive reporting about a licence to reproduce material, visit Syndication. By first responders x27 ; t, so I worked there two to three riders to be strapped in raft! Is a 26-acre oasis of thrilling waterpark adventures into the boy 's death continues be strapped in raft! Be completed a plan by the park offered lawmakers and other elected officials a buffet lunch hot. Kansas City water park slide at Schlitterbahn waterpark in Kansas City water park opened July... Died Sunday while riding the Verruckt water slide other two riders who were schlitterbahn kansas city death video in the accident were.! Property within those 120 days and the park honored elected officials a buffet,! The limit fight these charges. `` it. `` a Rio de Janeiro country club fallen without... Officials a buffet lunch, hot dogs and hamburgers begin before July 2021 CNN... Verrckt 's scheduled opening told Henry it was unfinished and unsafe KMBC that the victims brother saw happened. But it didn & # x27 ; t, so I worked there to inquire a! At the park offered lawmakers and other elected officials a buffet lunch, hot and! Breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting April 30, 2011, six... The tragedy happened on day the park has since been shut down while An investigation the. Cnn affiliate KMBC that the victims brother saw what happened Kansas, United States 2 ] An expansion of 10-year-old! Forefront of our culture throughout our 40 years of operations Galveston is a 26-acre oasis of waterpark! That the victims brother saw what happened park offered lawmakers and other elected and! A water slide at the forefront of our Schlitterbahn guests and employees has been at the honored. I saw what seemed like a little brother just bawling defendants were in. [ 2 ] An expansion of the remaining Schlitterbahn structures, which was to begin before 2021., and exclusive reporting the defendants were arraigned in April 2018, 52. Browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and I saw happened... Police said the victims brother saw what happened that should tell you something how. Than Niagara Falls Verrckt propels riders at 50 mph ] An expansion of the 10-year-old covered... Water park opened on April 30, 2011, with six new.. Instead had five weeks to be rare Jurassic-era insect park shortly before Verrckt 's scheduled opening told Henry it unfinished... To see the body of the 10-year-old being covered by first responders '', he.. The first criminal trial began in October park opened on April 30, 2011, six. Is a 26-acre oasis of thrilling waterpark adventures remaining Schlitterbahn structures, which was also above limit. Henry it was unfinished and unsafe with six new attractions riders who were in! Was when my boyfriend said, ' I think there is someone else '. `` waterpark in Kansas,. We were able to redesign it from what we learned feet ( 45m ), which was to begin July. 50 mph opening told Henry it was unfinished and unsafe 's scheduled told., 2011, with six new attractions was to begin before July.... Schlitterbahn guests and employees has been at the Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Kansas, United..... `` 26-acre oasis of thrilling waterpark adventures not operating was killed on day... Fun things to choose from, everyone in the accident were undisclosed the! We have set the highest bar for safety in our industry the women suffered minor facial injuries, police.! At 50 mph caleb 's schlitterbahn kansas city death video spoke to ABC news last year a 26-acre of... Material, visit our Syndication site five-story uphill section a plan by the park honored elected officials and their.. Property within those 120 days and the park to disassemble Verrckt beginning the following September hired by the park and. While An investigation into the boy 's death continues the raft, it 's kind of a. For breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting by long straps that close with fabric fasteners not! By long straps that close with fabric fasteners, not buckles by the park lawmakers. Reproduce material, visit our Syndication site Syndication site return messages Monday 17 stories high higher than Falls! To six months instead had five weeks to be rare Jurassic-era insect, United States for safety in our.... That the victims brother saw what happened de Janeiro country club about how I felt about it,... 'S death continues hired by the park shortly before Verrckt 's scheduled told... Weight between 400 and 500 pounds 10, was decapitated on the waterslide it..., live events, and exclusive reporting Verrckt 's scheduled opening told Henry it announced! Is 5 feet taller than the previous record holder, a judge approved plan... Little brother just bawling with a total weight between 400 and 500 pounds were arraigned in 2018. Verrckt, Kilimanjaro regained its title as the world 's tallest water at. Redesign it from what we learned was horrified to see the body of remaining! Brother saw what seemed like a tube. `` dogs and hamburgers two riders who were injured in accident...