There is sad news to report today, as it has been confirmed that a ten-year-old boy has sadly passed away while on the world’s tallest water ride, the Verrückt, in Kansas on Sunday.
Caleb Thomas Schwab was the son of state Rep. Scott Schwab and had been at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City with his family over the weekend.
At 168ft tall, the Verruckt is one of the park’s main attractions and has been certified as the world’s tallest water slide by Guinness World Records.
Riders have to be at least 54 inches tall and climb 264 stairs to get to the top.
My condolences are with the Kansas state rep Scott Schwab's family. Politically we dont agree, but this is a tragic loss. #KSLeg
— Rachel Gonzalez (@RachelRGonzalez) August 8, 2016
Releasing a statement following Caleb’s death, Rep. Scott Schwab asked for continued prayers and privacy.
“Since the day he was born, he brought abundant joy to our family and all those he came in contact with. As we try to mend our home with him no longer with us, we are comforted knowing he believed in our Saviour Jesus, and they are forever together now. We will see him another day.”
Statement, photo from family of Olathe Rep. Scott Schwab on the death of their son Caleb today at Schlitterbahn: pic.twitter.com/2YnomBGnC3
— Sam Hartle (@Sam_Hartle) August 8, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Rep. Scott Schwab and the many family and friends mourning a tragic loss.
— KansasDems (@KansasDems) August 8, 2016
A statement from Schlitterbhan took to Facebook to send their condolences to the Schwab family, and announced that the park will be closed on Sunday and Monday, with the ride closed “pending a full investigation.”
