Caleb Thomas Schwab died Sunday while riding the 168-foot Verruckt, one of the top attractions at the park.
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Police say two women – not related to the boy – who were also in the special boat used in the ride sustained minor facial injuries, and were treated at local hospitals. Riders go down the slide in multi-person rafts and have to be at least 54 inches (137 centimetres) tall, according to the park’s website.
The Kansas City Star newspaper said the park was teeming with children of legislators and their parents – they were enjoying free passes – when the accident occurred.
Verruckt’s designer, Jeff Henry, told me earlier in the day that he wore cowboy boots his first time down because if he was going to die, he wanted to go with his boots on.
The police department offered condolences to the family.
No figures are available for overall water park injuries, but the Red Cross cited U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates when it launched updated training efforts a year ago for lifeguards who work at water parks. FILE – This Nov. 2013 file photo shows Schlitterbahn’s new Verruckt speed slide/water coaster in Kansas City, Kan.
Safety issues delayed the 2014 opening of the Verrückt waterslide four times.
Scott Schwab is a Republican from Olathe.
“Michele and I want to thank the Olathe, and Kansas City, KS communities and all our friends and family for their out pouring of support and compassion as it relates to the sudden loss of our son Caleb Thomas Schwab”.
Caleb died on Sunday at the Schlitterbahn waterpark on the Verrückt water slide, which “sends riders plunging down 17 stories at up to 50 miles an hour”.
“The family and each and every one of those affected are foremost on our minds and in our hearts today”, the statement said.
When it initially opened, the park advertised the ride for only people 14 years and older.
Prosapio said Sunday the park’s rides are inspected daily and by an “outside party” before the start of each season.
Further horrific details have emerged of the circumstances surrounding the death of a ten-year-old boy who was killed after riding on the world’s tallest water slide.
Kansas’ Amusement Ride Act says fixed-site rides must be checked at least once a year by certified inspectors, and the state can audit those records. Police officials have not said if Caleb or his passengers met both the height and weight requirements. 7, 2016, while riding the Verruckt, a water slide that’s bille.
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Police are investigating the incident as a civil rather than criminal matter. Schwab was the son of state Rep. Scott Schwab.
