The father of Caleb Schwab, the 10-year-old boy who was killed at a Kansas water park earlier this month, has spoken out after his son’s death.
Scott Schwab, a Kansas state representative, told People magazine that he hopes an investigation into his son’s death will prevent future accidents from occurring.
“While we try to step forward into the new normal of life without Caleb in our presence, we find hope with the current investigation into the incident to provide answers and assurances that such tragedy will not strike again,” Schwab told the publication.
Scott Schwab, who has three surviving sons, said his family expresses their thanks for the support they’ve received.
“Words will never convey the appreciation Michele, the boys, and I have for all those who expressed their love and support the last week and a half,” he added.
“‘Thank You’ seems so inadequate to express our appreciation, but it is the only phrase we have. So, from the depths of our hearts, we thank you.”
Caleb died on Aug. 7 on the Verruckt ride at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The 168-foot-tall Verruckt, which means “insane” in German, has been billed as the world’s tallest water slide.
A spokesperson for Schlitterbahn said they want to know what caused the accident.
“At Schlitterbahn, we share the need for answers to the tragedy, and are fully committed to cooperating with the investigation,” spokesperson Laurie Roberts told People magazine.
Schwab’s attorney, Michael C. Rader, meanwhile told the Kansas City Star that Schlitterbahn is cooperating with an independent investigation into the accident.
In the incident, Caleb was on the Verruckt with two other riders when he apparently slipped out of his safety restraint and was killed. The two other women, who are sisters, were injured on the ride.
