With opening day of Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City approaching, the Verrückt water slide still stands as a reminder of the grisly death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab last year.
When the Verrückt slide opened in 2014, it was billed as “the world’s tallest water slide.” Thousands of thrill seekers went down the slide in rafts propelled by powerful water jets that sometimes sent the lightweight rafts airborne.
A safety net that was installed by engineers to keep riders safe decapitated Caleb on August 7.
Caleb’s family reached a wrongful death settlement with the park’s owners in January. The park’s owners announced last year that the slide would close permanently.
But the water slide still stands due to a court order preventing the dismantling of the slide during investigations.
Kansas governor tightens inspection requirements for amusement parks after boy's waterslide death. https://t.co/ySVp06iQB3 pic.twitter.com/1fmKxQqz7b
— ABC News (@ABC) April 25, 2017
According to Kansascity.com, Schlitterbahn park officials say the physical investigations of the slide have “long been over.”
Park officials are understandably anxious to dismantle the spooky slide, which will likely remain standing until after the Schlitterbahn water park closes for the season.
“[I]t’s very difficult to get in the large equipment necessary to dismantle the slide with guests in our park,” said Winter Prosapio, a spokeswoman for Schlitterbahn.
“We believe it’s very upsetting for everyone to have this slide up and are hopeful that we will get word that we can take it down very soon,” Prosapio said.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark opening day is set for May 26.
