A day of fun turned tragic after the son of a Kansas state lawmaker died on the world’s tallest water slide.
Caleb Thomas Schwab, the 10-year-old son of Rep. Scott Schwab died on Aug. 7 at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas. The Schwab family released a statement to Kansas media.
“Since the day he was born, he brought abundant joy to our family and all those he came in contact with,” read the statement. “As we try and mend our home with him no longer with us, we are comforted knowing he believed in his savior, Jesus, and they are forever together now. We will see him another day.”
It was Elected Official Day at the water park, a day on which elected officials and their families were given free admission and lunch.
Schlitterbahn also released a statement after the incident on their Facebook page.
“We are saddened to share that a young boy died on Verrückt this afternoon,” read the statement. “Given that safety is our first priority, we have closed our Kansas City park and we have closed the ride pending a full investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”
Park spokesperson Winter Prosapio said at a press conference on Sunday that all rides are inspected on a daily basis.
“All rides are inspected every day actually,” said Prosapio. “And our rides are inspected by an outside party before the season starts.”
