Caleb Schwab, a 10-year-old boy, tragically lost his life during a visit to Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City in 2016. What was supposed to be a fun day turned into a heartbreaking disaster for his family.
Caleb was excited to ride the Verrückt, the tallest water slide in the world at the time. The slide, which means “insane” in German, had a steep 168-foot drop and could reach speeds of up to 70 mph. Unfortunately, as Caleb’s raft went over a second hill, he hit a metal support bar, causing a fatal accident. His father, Scott Schwab, later recalled the painful moment when he realized that his son would never come back home.
Before the ride, Caleb and his older brother, Nathan, had been told to stick together. Nathan went down first and waited at the bottom, only to witness the unimaginable tragedy. Their mother, Michelle Schwab, tried to rush to the scene but was stopped by a bystander. When Scott asked if his son was dead, the heartbreaking answer was simply, “Yes, your son is dead.” The family was left in complete shock.
Two women were also in the raft with Caleb. Both were injured—one suffered a broken jaw, while the other had facial fractures that required stitches. The raft’s total weight was 248 kg, just under the 250 kg limit. However, the uneven weight distribution may have contributed to the accident.
Concerns about the Verrückt slide had been raised before, as some engineers warned about the dangers. The ride’s netting, meant for safety, could actually cause serious injuries to riders moving at high speeds. Jeff Henry, the ride’s creator, had no engineering qualifications but was determined to build the tallest and fastest slide. Employees also revealed that safety inspections were often rushed or ignored.
Following Caleb’s tragic death, Schlitterbahn announced that the Verrückt slide would be torn down. His family received a $20 million settlement in 2017, while two other injured riders also reached undisclosed settlements.
Although criminal charges were filed against the park and its operators, they were later dropped in 2019 due to improper evidence handling. Today, Schlitterbahn operates under new management, but Caleb’s memory remains with his grieving family. His parents continue to cherish the moments they had with him, remembering his hugs, soccer games, and everyday conversations.
