World’s tallest waterslide to be demolished after boy’s death
A Kansas theme park water slide where a 10-year old boy died will be decommissioned and torn down.
Caleb Schwab died of a severe neck injury on the Verruckt ride at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City in August.
Verruckt, which translates as ‘insane’ was marketed as being taller than Niagara Falls.
The boy’s father is Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab.
"All of us at Schlitterbahn have been heartbroken over the tragedy that occurred on Verruckt. Once the investigation is concluded and we are given permission by the court, Verruckt will be decommissioned — closed permanently and the slide removed from the tower," said park spokeswoman Pam Renteria.
"In our opinion, it is the only proper course of action following this tragedy."
A replacement ride will be announced ‘at some point in the future.’
Two other people riding with Caleb Schwab suffered facial injuries but survived.
A criminal investigation into the incident is still open but police told local media charges are unlikely.
The Dreamworld theme park in Australia also recently announced it plans to tear down a water ride which last month killed four people.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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