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World’s Tallest Water Slide Will Be Torn Down After 10-Year-Old Boy’s Death

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Riders are propelled by jets of water as the go over a hump while riding the world's tallest water slide called "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, on July 9, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.
Riders are propelled by jets of water as the go over a hump while riding the world's tallest water slide called "Verruckt" at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, on July 9, 2014, in Kansas City, Kan.Charlie Riedel—AP
By Melissa Chan

The world’s tallest water slide will be permanently closed and taken apart after a 10-year-old boy was decapitated on the ride earlier this year, officials announced Tuesday.

The Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City said in a statement that it plans to decommission the deadly Verrückt ride and remove the slide from the ride’s tower once an investigation into the attraction is finished and the amusement park is given permission by the court.

“In our opinion, it is the only proper course of action following this tragedy,” Schlitterbahn said.

Caleb Schwab was killed while riding the 168-foot-tall ride named Verruckt, which means “insane” in German.

It’s unclear when Schlitterbahn will get clearance for the ride’s demolition. The amusement park said it plans to replace the ride in the future. “We will, at some point in the future, announce what will be built in its place,” it said.

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