About Post:
Ten-year-old Caleb Schwab was decapitated while riding what has been dubbed the world’s tallest water slide at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, police said.
The case is being investigated as a civil rather than criminal matter, yet details are vague and authorities have disclosed little information about what caused the tragic accident. Questions remain over how exactly Caleb died, including whether the ride or safety equipment — as well as the Velcro straps and belt holding him into the raft — malfunctioned.
What Happened
Caleb Schwab, the son of a state lawmaker, sustained a fatal “neck injury” at around 2:30 p.m. while riding the 168-foot-tall “Verruckt” (meaning “insane” in German) water slide, the Associated Press reports. Police confirmed to TIME on Tuesday that the boy was decapitated in the accident. He was found dead at the bottom of the ride in a pool.
Schwab boarded the raft with two women who were not related to him. They both suffered minor cuts and scrapes on their face in the incident.
The Wyandotte County coroner’s office conducted an autopsy on Monday but it is unclear whether they will publicly release the results.
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Caleb’s parents, Republican state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife, Michele said in a statement Sunday: “Since the day he was born, [Caleb] brought abundant joy to our family and all those he came in contact with.” A memorial service is planned for Friday, according to ABC 7 News.
The park issued a statement Monday saying it was “deeply and intensely saddened for the Schwab family and all who were impacted by the tragic accident.” The water park closed following the incident and will remain shuttered until Wednesday at the earliest, although the slide will not reope