When the creators of the world’s tallest waterslide—Verrückt—tested it for the very first time, they were buzzing with adrenaline.
“That was the best ride I’ve ever been on,” inventor Jeff Henry said.
His colleague, John Schooley, chimed in with a nervous laugh, “I know, me too! We weren’t even sure we were going to make it out alive.”
They had no idea that what felt like an exciting risk would later become the center of a devastating and fatal disaster.
A Young Boy’s Day at the Waterpark Ended in Horror
Fast forward four years, and the waterslide they were so proud of claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy named Caleb Schwab.
It was a family outing on a special day—“Elected Official Day”—when Kansas lawmakers and their families were invited to enjoy the waterpark for free.
Caleb, the son of Kansas state representative Scott Schwab, had no idea he wouldn’t make it home.
As he boarded the 17-story-tall Verrückt slide, his raft flew off track.
Tragically, his head collided with a metal pole meant to support a safety net, killing him instantly.
The scene that followed was chaos.
His broken body landed in the catch pool at the bottom while two women on the raft with him were left bleeding and traumatized.
Lifeguards had to block the view from horrified onlookers.
“We’ve Lost Some Joy”: A Family’s Grief in Public View
Caleb wasn’t just a political figure’s son—he was a big-hearted kid who played baseball with the Kansas City Mudcats and had three brothers who adored him.
At his funeral, his father gave an emotional tribute.
“When my kids were born, Nathan was my pleasure, Caleb was my joy, Alex was my delight, and Isaac was my treasure.
We’ve lost Caleb, my joy,” he said, holding back tears.
Scott recalled how Caleb comforted him during hard times.
When Scott lost his job years earlier, it was five-
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