The World's Tallest Water Slide Is Being Demolished After Boy's Tragic Death

A 10-year-old suffered fatal injuries on the ride this summer.
LOADINGERROR LOADING

Schlitterbahn says its Kansas City water park will tear down its famous water slide after a 10-year-old boy was killed on the ride this summer.

At just over 168 feet, the Verrückt is the tallest water slide in the world, according to Guinness World Records. In August, visitor Caleb Schwab suffered a fatal neck injury on the slide, which wooed visitors with speeds up to 60 miles per hour and has remained closed since the incident.

Park authorities took things a step further Tuesday when they announced they would dismantle the ride pending a court’s approval.

Verrückt will be decommissioned –- closed permanently and the slide removed from the tower,” a park statement reads. “In our opinion, it is the only proper course of action following this tragedy.”

Schlitterbahn Kansas City is currently closed for the fall season, and there are no details yet on what kind of attraction will take the defunct slide’s place.

Kansas City police are still investigating Caleb’s death to determine if a crime occurred, The Kansas City Star reports.

The Verrückt water slide just before its opening in July 2014.
Dave Kaup / Reuters
The Verrückt water slide just before its opening in July 2014.
At 168 feet, Verrückt is the tallest water slide in the world.
Kansas City Star via Getty Images
At 168 feet, Verrückt is the tallest water slide in the world.
Riders were propelled by jets of water over numerous humps and down stomach-churning drops.
Charlie Riedel/AP
Riders were propelled by jets of water over numerous humps and down stomach-churning drops.
The ride featured harnesses but still caused injuries.
Charlie Riedel/AP
The ride featured harnesses but still caused injuries.

Before You Go

Abandoned Vietnam Water Park

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE