A witness has come forward after observing the tragic decapitation of a 10-year-old boy on the ‘world’s tallest waterslide’. In 2016, Caleb Schwab visited Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City with his family. The 10-year-old rode the 170-foot Verruckt water slide.
Caleb, along with two others, ascended 264 steps to reach the top of the slide, which was claimed to be the ‘world’s tallest’ at its opening in 2014. He then embarked on the 17-storey drop, followed by a 55-foot crest.
Netting covered the chute to prevent riders from falling, supported by metal poles. Despite these measures, Caleb was thrown from his raft due to the ride’s speed and motion, colliding with a metal pole and suffering a fatal neck injury, as reported by Kansas City Police.
A picture taken from the top of the Verrückt waterslide, once known as the ‘World’s Tallest Waterslide,’ before its opening in 2016. Tragically, in 2018, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab was decapitated while riding the slide, leading to its permanent closure shortly after the incident.… pic.twitter.com/go2u5BgQZq
— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) July 18, 2024
An eyewitness described the horrifying incident, remarking, “It was as horrible a moment as you could imagine. A nightmare beyond comprehension. I can’t begin to describe it.”
A grand jury later charged Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeff Henry and senior designer John Schooley with second-degree murder. However, these charges were dismissed, and in 2017, Caleb’s family settled for nearly $20 million from the involved companies.
Following the tragedy, Schlitterbahn stated to a news agency: “The safety of our staff and guests is our top priority. We are parents and grandparents ourselves, and many of us had ridden Verruckt with our own children and grandchildren over the years it operated. We take safety very seriously and support effective guidelines that increase guest and staff safety.”
The ride was closed in 2016, and by September 2018, the entire water park had closed and was dismantled two months later. In the aftermath of Caleb’s death, a law was enacted requiring state inspectors to review amusement park attractions. Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions which some readers may find distressing.
For those experiencing bereavement and seeking confidential support, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Ladbible provides an overview of the tragic death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab on the Verrückt waterslide at Schlitterbahn Water Park, including the murder charges dropped due to grand jury irregularities, leading to a £15.6 million payout for the family and subsequent park closures.(read more)
- Verruckt is a waterslide that killed a 10-year-old boy in 2016. The author, a two-time rider, discusses the misinformation surrounding the incident and their morbid interest in amusement park fatalities. They emphasize the harness malfunction and the lack of decapitation, noting the park’s ultimate responsibility.(read more)
- AllThatInteresting explores the tragic death of Caleb Schwab, a 10-year-old boy decapitated on the world’s tallest waterslide, Verrückt, at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, highlighting the safety concerns and the impact on his family.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Caleb Schwab at Schlitterbahn Waterpark?
Caleb Schwab was decapitated on the Verruckt water slide after being thrown off his raft.
How tall was the Verruckt water slide?
The Verruckt water slide was 170 feet tall.
What changes occurred after Caleb’s death?
State inspectors are now required to check over attractions at amusement parks.
Were any charges filed against Schlitterbahn’s owners or designers?
Yes, but charges of second-degree murder against Jeff Henry and John Schooley were dismissed.
How much did Caleb’s family settle for with the companies involved?
Caleb’s family received nearly $20 million in a settlement.