Family of boy decapitated on US water slide to receive multi million dollar settlement

The family of Caleb Schwab, who died in August last year after riding on the world’s tallest waterslide at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, USA, have reportedly received a US$20 million settlement.

The 10-year-old died of a neck injury when he was ejected from the Verruckt (which means insane in German) waterslide. The boy slid to the end of the rider where he was found dead by Schlitterbahn staff.

While the ride is being dismantled, Caleb’s father, Scott Schwab, a Republican state representative from Olathe, a Kansas City suburb, took legal action against the waterpark and related businesses.

Court documents show that the bulk of the settlement, US$14 million, will come from SVV 1 and KC Water Park, two companies associated with the Texas-based waterpark operator Schlitterbahn, the Kansas City Star reported, citing court documents.

Other parties contributing to the settlement include the company that constructed the ride, the maker of the raft used on the slide and the ride’s consultant.

The Kansas City Star reported the payout amount yesterday (4th May), saying it may be the biggest settlement of its kind in a wrongful death case involving a minor in the US States of Kansas or Missouri.

The settlement was apparently agreed in January and April, but the amount was not disclosed until this week.

Commenting on the settlement, a Schlitterbarn spokesperson advised "we are thankful to have reached a settlement with all parties.

"We will be removing the ride from our Kansas City park when given permission by the court, which we have yet to receive."

Schlitterbarn Kansas City is set to open for the 2017 summer season on 26th May.

Images: Caleb Schwab (above) and the Verruckt ride at Schlitterbarn Kansas City (below).

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