Dad reveals heartbreaking final exchange with 10-year-old son before he was decapitated on a waterslide

The father of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab has shared the final words his son spoke to him moments before a horrific accident on the Verrückt waterslide back in August 2016. The young boy was killed while riding the attraction at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City. Before the raft departed, Scott Schwab had told his son, “Brothers stick together.” Caleb replied, “I know dad.”

As reported by VT, the Verrückt, which means “insane” in German, was once promoted as the world’s tallest waterslide. Standing at nearly 169 feet, it was reportedly taller than Niagara Falls and sent riders down a 17-story vertical chute at speeds reaching 70 miles per hour.

The Schwab family, known for their involvement in the Kansas House of Representatives, was visiting the park on Elected Officials Day. Caleb and his siblings had decided to experience the ride, with his 12-year-old brother, Nathan, going ahead of him.

The raft reportedly became airborne 

An investigation eventually revealed that the raft reportedly became airborne during the descent. This force propelled Caleb into the overhead netting, causing his death. Nathan witnessed the event and had to inform his parents of what had happened. Michelle Schwab, the boys’ mother, recounted that Nathan was screaming, “He flew from the Verrückt, he flew from the Verrückt.”

A bystander prevented Michelle from approaching the scene to protect her from seeing the aftermath. She recalled, “There was a gentleman who wouldn’t allow me to come close enough to see what was going on, and he just kept saying, ‘Trust me, you don’t want to go any further’. I kind of knew in my mind that I shouldn’t see it, that I probably don’t want to see it.”

Scott Schwab also reportedly questioned the bystander about his son’s condition while the area was cordoned off. He noted, “It was surreal. I don’t even hardly remember driving home.” As per ABC News, the park also issued a statement saying, “In our five decades of creating a space for families and friends to gather, we have never encountered such a devastating incident. The well-being of our staff and guests remains our utmost priority.”

They further stated, “Ensuring safety has always been our foremost concern. We are dedicated to upholding effective guidelines that enhance the safety of both guests and staff members. Our safety procedures continue to be under review.”

The incident eventually led to legal action. A grand jury reportedly brought charges of second-degree murder against the park’s co-owner, Jeff Henry, and the slide’s senior designer, John Schooley. Following lengthy legal proceedings, the Schwab family reportedly received settlements totaling nearly $20 million from the companies involved in the case.