The heartbreaking death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab on the Verrückt water slide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, continues to stand as one of the most distressing incidents in amusement park history. The young boy’s life was cut short in a horrific accident when he was decapitated after the raft he was riding became airborne and collided with a metal pole during the ride’s descent.
The Verrückt, once celebrated as the world’s tallest waterslide, was known for its towering height and adrenaline-pumping design, but it ultimately became synonymous with tragedy. Standing a staggering 170 feet tall, the slide boasted a dramatic 17-story drop, followed by a 55-foot secondary crest, promising extreme thrills to adventure-seekers. Riders would climb 264 steps to the summit before boarding three-person rafts for the heart-pounding plunge. The structure was partially enclosed with netting supported by metal poles, aimed at preventing riders from being ejected.
On August 7, 2016, Caleb Schwab, the son of Kansas state legislator Scott Schwab, visited the waterpark with his family. Excited for the day ahead, Caleb ascended the lengthy staircase and prepared for the ride alongside two adult riders. Tragically, his excitement turned to catastrophe. As the raft sped down the slide, it hit the crest at an extreme velocity, causing it to go airborne. Caleb’s body was thrust from the raft, and he struck one of the metal support poles. The impact resulted in a fatal decapitation, leaving onlookers in utter shock.
Witnesses who saw the devastating accident described the scene as incomprehensibly horrific. One bystander expressed to Texas Monthly, “It was a nightmare beyond words, a horrifying moment you couldn’t unsee.” Caleb’s older brother Nathan, waiting at the bottom of the ride, screamed in shock, “He flew off the Verrückt!” Their mother, Michele Schwab, was held back from the area by another guest who urged, “Trust me, you don’t want to go any closer.”
The immediate aftermath of Caleb’s tragic death sparked urgent safety concerns and led to the permanent closure of the Verrückt slide. Schlitterbahn took steps to dismantle the entire structure in 2018, but the legal consequences were far from over. Investigations revealed that the slide had a troubling safety record, with at least 13 prior injuries reported before the fatal incident. Shockingly, the slide had been featured in a Travel Channel program showcasing its daring design and extreme height, which later raised questions about safety prioritization versus spectacle.
Following Caleb’s death, his family pursued legal action against Schlitterbahn and the companies involved in the slide’s design, construction, and operation. In 2017, nearly $20 million in settlements were awarded to the Schwab family, while the two adult riders on Caleb’s raft, who suffered facial injuries and broken bones, also received undisclosed settlements.
In 2018, criminal charges were filed against key figures associated with the water park, including Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeff Henry, slide designer John Schooley, and operations manager Tyler Miles. The charges ranged from second-degree murder to aggravated child endangerment. Prosecutors accused the defendants of recklessly prioritizing publicity and extreme design over safety standards while neglecting to address prior incidents involving injuries on the slide.
However, the case took a controversial turn in February 2019 when Judge Robert Burns dismissed all criminal charges. The dismissal stemmed from improper evidence presented to the grand jury, including dramatized footage from a Travel Channel episode that exaggerated the ride’s design and safety features. The judge ruled that the video footage was not factual but rather a fictionalized representation made for entertainment purposes. Furthermore, references to unrelated deaths and outdated safety standards further undermined the prosecution’s arguments.
Judge Burns stated, “While the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are undeniably heartbreaking, the evidence presented did not meet the standards of fairness required for a grand jury review.” Despite the dismissal, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt expressed disappointment but refrained from ruling out future charges or renewed investigations.
Schlitterbahn, which has since permanently closed its Kansas City location, welcomed the dismissal of the criminal case. Park spokesperson Winter Prosapio stated, “We deeply appreciate the support from our community and emphasize our commitment to safety, as this tragic incident was unprecedented in our five decades of operation.”
Legal representatives for the defendants echoed the court’s decision, emphasizing the unfair presentation of evidence during the grand jury proceedings. Justin Johnston, counsel for slide designer John Schooley, remarked, “The court’s decision to dismiss the charges was legally sound, as the evidence presented to the jury was misleading and incomplete.”
Despite the closure and legal resolutions, Caleb’s tragic passing has had a lasting impact on safety regulations for amusement parks. In the aftermath, Kansas implemented stricter laws mandating state inspections of amusement rides, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Caleb’s parents, Scott and Michele Schwab, have continued to advocate for enhanced safety standards and legislative reforms to ensure such a devastating accident never occurs again.