Wyandotte County Judge Robert Burns cited improper evidence in dropping second-degree murder charges against Schlitterbahn owner Jeff Henry, designer John Schooley, and general contractor Henry and Sons Construction Co. "Because we really didn't know whether we were going to survive it or not. In Touch Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Cast Members Tell All. On Sunday, ten-year-old Caleb Schwab died at the Schlitterbahn park in Kansas City while on a 168 foot high slide. Republican lawmaker Scott Schwab's son Caleb died on the Verruckt attraction at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. Omar Villafranca has more. Schwab and his wife released a statement confirming it was their son Caleb Thomas Schwab, whose family were at the park with him when he died. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital (AP) A 168-foot-tall Kansas waterslide on which a state lawmaker's 10-year-old son was killed last summer will be demolished once the unfolding investigation of the tragedy is . "There's an annual inspection of the park, but it's really looking to make sure that the park itself has its paperwork in line," explained attorney Daniel Horowitz. Attorney General Derek Schmidt issued a statement saying he respectfully disagrees with the judge's ruling and that he will be taking "a fresh look at the evidence to determine the best course forward," CBS Kansas City affliate KCTV reports. Pastor Clint Sprague, the family spokesperson for the Schwab family said they're heartbroken. But watch as the video stops at the end, before the duo goes airborne. 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 of 10-year-old Caleb Thomas Schwab from a neck injury while riding the worlds tallest water slide. "No one had ever done anything like this.". Heartbroken dad issues warning after son, 13, dies in TikTok challenge, Red flag after possible suspect in missing brothers case made eerie request, Two dead and four injured after 19-year-old 'opens fire at prom after party', $80k reward offered for shooting suspect Francisco Oropesa after five killed, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Caleb Schwab, 10, died on theworld's tallest water slide in Kansas City in August 2016, The water slide in Kansas City was billed as the world's tallest at 168ft high, Fire engines pictured at the scene of the fatal accident in 2016, The ride was named Verruck and translates to 'insane' in German, Footage shows rafts becoming airborne over the hump of a slide on which a boy was killed, Ten-year-old Caleb Schwab was killed when his raft hit a metal pole supporting a safety net, The Verrckt was the tallest water slide in the world when it opened in 2014, Worlds tallest water slide that decapitated boy, 10, was so dangerous its designer admits we didnt know if people would survive. Updated Visitors flocked to Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas, to experience its thrill. The ride, which is taller than both the Statue of Liberty and Niagra Falls, left even its creator terrified. Boho or Go Home? 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. Designers of the waterslide had so many problems they had to delay the grand opening. Footage in the documentary showed rafts filled with sand bags repeatedly becoming airborne during testing. 2023 Update, 90 Day Fiance's Chantel Reunites With Friend Obed After Pedro Divorce, See Photos of Joy-Anna Duggars Baby Bump as She Expects Baby No. Schwab, the son of a Kansas state legislator, died from a neck injury, The accident occurred at the world's tallest water slide, which will remain closed during the investigation. Sanford recalled that as Schwab hit the end of the slide, his friend, frantic, called for help, with medics trailing soon after. He would have fallen down without the raft, it's kind of like a tube.". The Most Scandalous and Controversial Moments in Met Gala History. And he just shook his head, and I said, 'I need to hear it from you, is he dead? Gocke described the rafts Velcro seat belts, and remembered testing out the straps to see how secure they were. [17] According to the guidelines, Verrckt should have incorporated the use of a rigid over-the-shoulder restraint for riders,[16] and an upstop mechanism to prevent the rafts from going airborne. The tragic death has raised questions about safety regulations for amusement parks. the world's tallest water slide, at Kansas City's Schlitterbahn water park - is known for . Youd think for something thats supposed to be known for being the tallest slide in the world theyd have a little bit more secure straps than Velcro, Sanford said. The family of a 10-year-old Kansas boy who was decapitated while riding the worlds tallest water slide last summer settled for nearly $20 million with companies involved in the tragedy, records show. They both the heartbreakingly revealed that they most missed giving little Caleb hugs, with Scott saying he especially missed his "morning hug" with his son who was torn away from him. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The child has been identified. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The 10-year-old son of a Kansas state lawmaker was decapitated Sunday in an accident on the world's tallest water slide at Schlitterbahn, a Kansas City waterpark, witnesses say. The 2 other adult female riders in the boat, not related tothe victim, sustained minor facial injuries, and were transported and treated at area hospitals.". Celebrity Couples Who Broke Up in 2023 So Far, So Adorable! 2023 Cable News Network. I looked over and saw his broken neck and him sliding down the slide leaving a blood trail, a witness aid. "And we didn't know whether we had it figured out or not.". Henry and Schooley were ultimately indicted on charges of aggravated battery, aggravated endangerment of a child, interference with law enforcement, and involuntary manslaughter. appreciated. What was to be a 370-acre (1.5km2), $750 million development (in the end, only $180 million of work was ever completed) included a nearly 40-acre (160,000m2) waterpark, which was Schlitterbahn's fourth waterpark and its first outside Texas. "Quite simply, these defendants were not afforded the due process protections and fundamental fairness Kansas law requires.". Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [20] Cedar Fair did not pursue purchasing the property within those 120 days and the park remained standing but not operating. One witness described the scene as "the worst day in her life". If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. Whether its a short vacation or theyre jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. He flew from Verruckt!'". He said at the time that while the ride was dangerous, it was "safe dangerous". Two women who were with him in the raft were seriously injured. Experts Say Caleb Schwab Should Have Been In Center Seat", "The making of Schlitterbahn's Verruckt water slide: Too much, too fast? All Rights Reserved, Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google, What Happened to Sister Wives Star Janelle Browns RV? 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. Photos of Best, Worst Dressed Stars at Coachella 2023, Stars Who Flaunt G-Strings: Sexiest Photos of Their Visible Thongs, Ben Affleck Has More Tattoos Than You Think: See Photos of His Ink, Melissa and Joe Gorga Have Had Many Ups and Downs: Relationship Timeline, Hollywood Stars Who Gave Up Fame for Other Jobs, '90 Day Fiance' Star Cynthia Decker Lists 'Dream Home' For Sale: Tour, The Kardashians-Jenners Have Messy Homes Too: See Rare Photos, Sister Wives Star Janelle Browns Home Is Fit For a Large Family: Photos. The Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kan., remained closed Monday as investigators looked into the death of a 10-year-old boy on what's billed as the world's tallest water slide. At 169 feet tall, Verrckt was the tallest waterslide in the world. However, the particular ride that killed a 10-year old boy Sunday remains closed. Kansas City, Kansas, police spokesman Officer Cameron. Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Kansas City, Kansas. The lifeguard told Castaneda that there was nothing he could do to help. 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! . The video begins with a couple of thrill-seekers putting their lives on the line as they take a test run down the unfinished, open chute. Are 90 Day Fiances Carlos and VaLentine Still Together? When the ride first opened in 2014, co-owner and Verruckt creator Jess Henry told USA Today: "We had many issues on the engineering side. While this opens up a theoretical basis to claim substantial damages in a wrongful death . [18], In 2018, the last operating season of the park, four attractions remained closed throughout the season after an audit by regulators found that each did not comply with the Kansas Amusement Ride Act.[19]. Police said investigations into the incident were ongoing. The park did not open for the 2019 season. "A lot of our math was based on rollercoasters at first, and that didn't translate to a water slide like this. [9][11][12], An investigation found that Caleb, who weighed 74 pounds (34kg), had been allowed to sit in the front of the raft, rather than between the two women accompanying him one weighed 275 pounds (125kg), while the other weighed 197 pounds (89kg). And according to state law, they didnt need those credentials to deem their own ride safeunlike in the neighboring state of Missouri, water parks in Kansas do not require inspections by a state agency. This is a terrific settlement for a family who suffered a needless and avoidable tragedy. Caleb was killed on the Verruckt - German for "crazy" - in 2016 when the raft he was riding went airborne and hit a metal pole. "Bad things happen," he said. REACTION: Parents concerned at Houston-area water parks. All Rights The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. died on the Verruckt attraction at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. Footage of the ride being tested show rafts flying from the huge ride with it delayed twice due to safety concerns and technical glitches. Defense attorneys argued the show was scripted for entertainment, showing flying boats. The evidence included video from a Travel Channel show documenting construction of the Verruckt, in which Henry and others emphasized the risks to riders on a raft dropping 17 stories before climbing a second, 50-foot hump. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Aug. 7, 2016 Updated: Aug. 7, 2016 6:16 p.m. 26. "The court has grave doubts as to whether the irregularities and improprieties improperly influenced the grand jury and ultimately bolstered its decision to indict these defendants," Judge Robert Burns said. Here's how. "There's not so much of a hands-on walking through, making sure everything is safe. On November 6, 2020, Homefield LLC signed an agreement with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas to fund the redevelopment of the former Schlitterbahn lot for $90 million into an amateur sports complex. Riders were held in by nothing more than Velcro straps. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles, Family of Boy Decapitated on Water Slide Gets $20 Million Settlement. It was announced in September 2005 by Schlitterbahn Waterparks. 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.". However, we have restored the page for those who are interested in rider requirements. The ride, which was taller than both the Statue of Liberty and Niagra Falls, left even its creator terrified. The story, it turned out, was one of gross negligence, lax state regulations, and the consequences of hubris. Did you encounter any technical issues? 9:25 AM EDT, Thu August 11, 2016, Water slide accident witness: I saw the blood, kansas water park death lah dnt lead _00013119.jpg. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. The boy was the son of Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife, Michele. Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Riders plummeted down the nearly vertical 17-story chutetaller than Niagara Fallsat speeds up to 70 miles per hour. We are thankful for all the support and encouragement we've received.". We didnt know whether we had it figured out or not.. Kansas City, Kansas -- 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. FOOTAGE of rafts flying off the world's tallest waterslide where a 10-year-old boy was killed has been revealed as safety concerns around the ride begin to surface. . kansas water park death lah dnt lead _00013119.jpg. Riders go down the water slide called "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn in Kansas City, Kans. Those who reached him first "just realised he was dead and didn't try to revive him", she added. Castaneda said that he heard booms coming from the area of the slide and then saw a body wash down the slide directly after the raft did. 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. Republican lawmaker Scott Schwab's son Calebdied on the Verruckt attraction at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. This page is not available in other languages. KSHB. Medics then tended to two women who had been riding in the same raft as Schwab and who sustained minor facial injuries. Caleb Schwab died Aug. 7 on the 168-foot tall "Verruckt" ride at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A water park co-owner and a slide designer have been indicted in connection with the 2016 death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab while riding a water slide at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas. Tyler Austin Miles, 29, was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center Friday morning after he turned himself in, jail records show. It opened on July 10, 2014, after multiple delays. Is Sister Wives Season 18 Still Happening? 3, Are Billy Ray Cyrus and Singer Firerose Dating? 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.. I don't even hardly remember driving home.". When the ride first opened in 2014, co-owner and Verruckt creator Jess Henry told USA Today: "We had many issues on the engineering side. Tyler Austin Miles faces a total of 20 felony charges . February 23, 2019 / 12:40 AM The tragic death has raised questions about safety . Riders go down the slide in multi-person rafts and have to be at last 54 inches tall, according to the parks website. The heartbroken mother then added how when she tried to see what had happened to her son, a man stopped her going any further. Court documents also revealed that a team of experts who inspected the slide after Caleb's death found physical evidence that indicated that other rafts had gone airborne and collided with the overhead hoops and netting before the fatality". A Warner Bros. Witness Kelsey Friedrichse told PEOPLE thatshe and her boyfriend were on their way up the huge water slide when they saw crowds gathering at the bottom of the 168-foot ride. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much The slide never operated again and has been torn down . As chance would have it, Schwabs father was a Kansas state representative. Her friend Jess Sanford added: "I only saw Caleb slide down the last half of the slide, and then I saw the blood.
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