Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. The expert also referred to the death of an employee at another Schlitterbahn park in Texas, which Burns called "wholly unrelated" to the case. Footage of the ride being tested show rafts flying from the huge ride with it delayed twice due to safety concerns and technical glitches. "However, the most obvious and potentially lethal flaw was that Verrckt's design guaranteed that rafts would occasionally go airborne in a manner that could severely injure or kill the occupants.". ", We have consistently said that the fact that its a tragedy doesnt mean its a crime," Morris said. That was when my boyfriend said, 'I think there is someone else'.". And now, the Verrckt water slide at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas, is the site of a horrible accident, in which 10-year-old Caleb Schwab died Sunday. In seeking the indictment, state attorneys showed grand jurors video footage filmed for a Travel Channel show, Xtreme Waterparks, which featured the slide in an episode. Rewards tailored for Schwab investors. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The opening of the 17-storeyfreefall water ride has been revealed to have beenpushed back twice. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Web Browser Information IMPORTANT information for Windows XP users. Many of us, and our children and grandchildren, have ridden the ride with complete confidence as to its safety.. The parents of Caleb Schwab, the 10-year-old boy killed in August on the worlds tallest water slide at Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, are speaking out for the first time about their sons tragic death. Caleb Thomas Schwab, 10, died Sunday while riding an 168-foot-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas. The Schwabs said they are grateful for the overwhelming messages of support theyve received from well-wishers around the world during their time of grief. "Verruckt" riders sit in multi-person rafts that begin with a steep drop, followed by a surge up a second hill before a 50-foot descent to a finishing pool. Conrad's wife snapped a photo at the end of the ride showing the strap missing. Riders climbed 264 steps to the top before sitting in a raft that plummeted and then soared over a crest on its way to a runoff pool at the bottom. This latest slide incident comes on the heels of a $20 million settlement Yeah i sort of agree with the child endangerment but I think gross negligence and manslaughter would be more appropriate charges. Not all products and services listed are available outside the U.S. and some are subject to country specific restrictions. But riders sometimes struck the netting or the poles, and some injuries had already occurred when, in August 2016, Caleb Schwab, 10, got into a raft with two other riders. Boy thrown from water slide. He flew from Verrckt! Michele Schwab said. Caleb, the son of Republican state Rep. Scott Schwab, and his family were visiting the park on Elected Officials Day, at which the park provided lawmakers with free admission and lunch. Is my son dead? he recalled asking someone. Web10 year old boy Caleb Schwab got decapitated by one of the biggest water slides called "Verrckt" in 2016. I said, I just need to hear you say, is my son dead? and he just shook his head, Scott Schwab said. After a 10-Year-Old's Waterslide Decapitation, Why Were the Ride Designers Charged with Murder? Caleb, the son of Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, was decapitated after his raft went airborne and collided into equipment attached to the slide. Soon after arriving, Caleb and his brother Nathan set off into the park with friends. Schwab was killed after going down the world's tallest waterslide at a Kansas waterpark last summer. The open-air, three story slide called the "Emerald Plunge" is part of the Bay Area's brand new $43 million water park "The Wave.". "His friend was screaming for help and I think that's when staff members and medics and stuff started running.". Two others in the raft were severely injured. (0617-ZYYE). WebTWO teenagers have described the horrific moment they saw a trail of blood following Caleb Schwab's body down a waterslide - after he was tragically killed on the 168ft-high ride. Nathan went down the slide called Verrckt (German for crazy or insane) first and waited for Caleb at the bottom. WebCaleb Schwab was one of three passengers in the raft on the Verruckt ride at the Kansas city water park when he died. All of the cases were settled out of court for undisclosed sums. According to the Associated Press, Calebs family reached a nearly $20 million settlement with Schlitterbahn and affiliated companies. The attraction features two tracks with 80 degree drops. I obviously recognise that the circumstances and events giving rise to these indictments are indisputably tragic, Mr Burns wrote. "Quite simply, these defendants were not afforded the due process protections and fundamental fairness Kansas law requires.". Check the background of this firm or one of its investment professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck. WebScott and Michelle Schwab, who took their four sons to the water park, recalled the moments before Caleb and his 12-year-old brother Nathan went up to the top of the 170 A young childs life was lost and his troubling death was mourned by family, friends and the entire Kansas community and beyond.. Rafts riding down it allegedly hit speeds of up to 70 mph. Two media sneak preview days in 2014 were canceled because of problems with a conveyor system that hauls the 100-pound rafts to the top. ", He said he had told park staff, saying: "They kinda said, 'Oh no, really' or something 'yes, that's not good'. It's like jumping off the Empire State Building. It was the last time they would see Caleb alive. Riders are harnessed in with two nylon seatbelt-like straps one that crosses the rider's lap, the other stretching diagonally like a car shoulder seatbelt. Web315k members in the TrueCrimeDiscussion community. WebOn Sunday, ten-year-old Caleb Schwab died at the Schlitterbahn park in Kansas City while on a 168 foot high slide. This story was originally published February 13, 2017, 12:45 PM. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. WebRepublican lawmaker Scott Schwab's son Caleb died on the Verruckt attraction at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City. He said at the time that while the ride was dangerous, it was "safe dangerous". Source: pic.twitter.com/gYiffrxgkA. Caleb was found dead at the bottom of the slide in the pool and police confirmed to PEOPLE that he had been decapitated. Henry was arrested Monday in Texas and his next court date is scheduled for Thursday. Important information about our relationship with you: Our Client Relationship Summaries offer a brief summary of our services, fees and obligations when we work with you in a broker-dealer or an investment advisory relationship. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Other traumatised witnesses said they saw Caleb's family crying as emergency services treated the other two women who were on the raft.8. Miles and the park's management were also charged with involuntary manslaughter. Caleb was with his family at the park during an event for elected officials. In order to benefit from all available online tools you will need to enable JavaScript. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC), offers investment services and products, including Schwab brokerage accounts. The shock was so great, Scott Schwab demanded that someone actually confirm his sons death. ", Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt questioned Friday's ruling, telling BuzzFeed News he is "obviously disappointed and respectfully disagree" with the court's decision and will "take a fresh look at the evidence to determine the best course forward., Schlitterbahn spokesperson Winter Prosapio told BuzzFeed News they "welcome todays decision which dismissed the charges against all defendants.". They agreed to the interview to express their gratitude for the support they have received. Jill Toyoshiba/The Kansas City Star via AP, After 10-Year-Old Boy's Decapitation on Waterslide, Park Designers Are Charged With Murder, 2 Years After Boy's Decapitation on World's Tallest Waterslide, Trial Looms as Ride Is Still Standing, Grand Jury Indicts Water Park Operator and Executive in Decapitation Death of 10-Year-Old Boy, 17-Story Waterslide on Which 10-Year-Old Boy Was Decapitated Will Come Down. Winter D. Prosapio, a spokeswoman for Schlitterbahn, told PEOPLE in a statement earlier this week that the company was shocked by the allegations against Miles, who has since pleaded not guilty, and the Kansas City park itself. A spokeswoman for (Contributed photo/Facebook). Waterpark Co-Owner Accused of Murder in Boy's Waterslide Decapitation Has Checkered Past, Kansas Boy, 10, Was Decapitated on Water Slide, But Murder Charges Against Park Are Dismissed, Family of 10-Year-Old Boy Killed on Waterslide Reaches Settlement with Water Park, Tests of Water Slide Where 10-Year-Old Died Showed Rafts Could Fly Off Ramp, Alex Murdaugh Allegedly Lured Wife to Cabin on Night She Was Killed and She Texted Friend It Seemed 'Fishy', Trial Begins for Big Game Hunter Accused of Murdering Wife on African Safari, Claiming It Was Accidental, Summer Has Arrived Here's How to Avoid Animal Attacks & More Warm Weather Health Hazards, Everything to Know About the Murdaugh Family Murders, Including Details of Allegations Against Alex, Family of Teen Who Died After Fall from Fla. Amusement Park Ride Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit, Former Brother-in-Law Charged with Murdering Florida Law Professor Dan Markel Amid Custody Battle, Safety Sensor on Teen's Harness Was Manually Adjusted on Ride Before Fatal Fall: Officials. Nathan was waiting for Caleb at the bottom of the slide when the accident happened. The Schwabs have since reached a settlement with Schlitterbahn. Reddit's open forum for discussion of anything and everything about true crime, court cases, and the legal system. Very tragic case. appreciated. Contact Julia Reinstein at julia.reinstein@buzzfeed.com. "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," the judge said. Scott and Michelle Schwab, who took their four sons to the water park, recalled the moments before Caleb and his 12-year-old brother Nathan went up to the top of the 170-foot slide. Learn more at, create your Schwab Login ID and password first. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Clearly the issues with Schlitterbahn go far beyond Calebs incident, Scott Schwab said in his statement, and we know the Attorney General will take appropriate steps in the interest of public safety.. Paul Oberhauser told television station KCTV that his shoulder restraint "busted loose" on his Verruckt raft July 26. Giving him hugs, she said, hearing about his day, watching him play soccer, I mean, so much, so many things.. Six went to the park and five came back, Calebs father, Kansas State Rep. Scott Schwab, told Good Morning America on Monday. WebCaleb Schwab, 10, was decapitated on a water slide in Kansas five years ago ( Image: KMBC.com) Caleb was killed when his raft became airborne over the slide's 50-foot Scott has previously spoken out in support of a proposed law in Kansas which has since passed that would strengthen government oversight of amusement rides. The indictment alleges that a team of experts inspected the ride after Calebs death and found physical evidence that indicated that other rafts had gone airborne and collided with the overhead hoops and netting before the fatality.. We are thankful for all the support and encouragement weve received, she added. We agree with the courts decision that the grand jury was not given a fair picture of the evidence relating to this tragic accident, Justin Johnston, a lawyer for Mr Schooley, said. For other inquiries, Contact Us. His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The park said Tuesday that "a limited portion" of the park would reopen Wednesday, but that "Verruckt" will be closed for the rest of the season. Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Terms apply. "I think we have a serious issue with the restraint system. In addition, Miles was indicted on two counts of interference with law enforcement. They were accused of reckless behaviour in the design, construction and operation of the Verrckt and faced various charges that included aggravated child endangerment and second-degree murder. Ultimately, he decided that the defence lawyers arguments of grand jury abuse were credible. Upon viewing the video, the court concludes this exhibit was not a likeness of what it purported to represent, Burns reportedly said, and depicted a staged demonstration for entertainment purposes, not a factual depiction of the design and construction of the water slide.. A Wyandotte County grand jury indicted the following on counts of reckless second-degree murder: Jeffrey Wayne Henry, a co-owner of Schlitterbahn Companies and a designer of the waterslide; John Timothy Schooley, also a designer of the slide; and Henry & Sons Construction Company, Inc., the corporation involved in the slides construction. The two other occupants -- Hannah Barnes and Matraca The other defendants in the states case against the park are Henry and Sons Construction, the contractor owned by Jeffrey Henrys family; Tyler Miles, former director of operations; and the park itself. KANSAS CITY, Kan. A 10-year-old boy was decapitated as he rode a 168-foot tall waterslide at a water park in Kansas, a person familiar with the investigation said Wednesday. An indictment unsealed on Tuesday showed that more individuals have been charged in Calebs death. It appeared those who reached him first "just realised he was dead and didn't try to revive him", she added. Verruckt's 2014 opening repeatedly was delayed, though the operators didn't explain why. WebCaleb Schwab was killed Sunday at Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Her friend Jess Sanford added: "I only saw Caleb slide down the last half of the slide, and then I saw the blood. [Nathan] was screaming, He flew from Verrckt, he flew Verrckt, Calebs mother Michelle Schwab said. Its for the next kid who goes someplace in Kansas for a fun weekend.. The company first pledged to dismantle it a few months after Calebs death. They operated in good faith. Its an accident, but theres an accounting because someone was negligent, Scott Schwab said. This site is designed for U.S. residents. Usage will be monitored. Caleb Schwab was just 10 years old when he was killed while riding the 168-foot-tall "Verrckt" slide in Kansas City's Schlitterbahn water park in 2016. The people involved with the water slide was irresponsible for sure but "murder" would imply that their intention was to kill which probably was not the case. Caleb Schwab was killed on the 170-foot-tall Verruckt water slide at Kansas Citys Schlitterbahn Waterpark after the raft he was on went airborne and his head struck a pole. The ride, which is taller than both the Statue of Liberty and Niagra Falls, left even its creator terrified. Find the appropriate level of investment managemen Read More. Learn more about our services for non-U.S. residents. But on Friday, Wyandotte County Judge Robert Burns dropped the charges against the slide's owners, according to the Kansas City Star and Fox 4 KC, saying the case had been "irreparably tainted" with misleading evidence that could sway the grand jury. 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. Riders slide down Verruckt, the world's tallest water slide, at the Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 in Kansas City, Kan. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images). Galveston's Schlitterbahn does not have the slide Schwab was There were no indications of further records audits, and department officials did not immediately answer questions about why that was so. The allegation that we operated, and failed to maintain, a ride that could foreseeably cause such a tragic accident is beyond the pale of speculation, she said. Other thrill-seekers have since shared their experiences on the ride, including Paul Oberhauser, who told local station KCTV that his shoulder restraint had "busted loose". By . Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? The rafts sometimes lifted from the chute momentarily, and the slide was covered with netting, supported by metal poles, so riders would not fall off. Schlitterbahn has described Calebs death as an unforeseeable accident, but the latest indictment alleges that the slides rafts had problems from the beginning and suffered from a long list of dangerous design flaws including that they traveled too fast and repeatedly went airborne. He said: "As soon as I hit the bottom of the first curve the shoulder strap just kind of busted loose. 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