The tragic death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab shook the nation when it happened in August 2016, and the still grieving family has finally opened up to share their thoughts. The boy lost his life after a horrific accident on a waterslide at a waterpark in Schlitterbahn, Kansas, and that waterslide has since been permanently shut down. As ABC News shares, the family wants well-wishers to know that they’re ‘ok.’
The stunning accident happened on the park’s 168-foot-tall Verruckt waterslide. It was noted for being the largest of its kind in the world, but something went horribly wrong when Caleb rode on it. The boy was somehow decapitated and killed instantaneously. His devastated parents have opened up to share what the horrific day was like for them.
“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,” Michelle explained.
The family will sometimes ease their pain by watching home movies that feature Caleb, but even that can be far too unbearable at times.
“I said, ‘I just need to hear you say – is my son dead?’ and he just shook his head, I need to hear it from you … is my son dead? And he said, ‘Yes, your son’s dead.’” Scott said.
The family has received an outpouring of support from around the world, and that’s what led them to open up and speak out about the tragedy.
“We have a box of greeting cards from around the world, and we just want people to know we’re grateful, and yeah, we’re still hurting, but we’re going to be OK,” Scott continued.
While no criminal charges have been filed, the family has reached an undisclosed settlement with the park’s owners and the manufacturer of the ride.
Source: ABC
Photo: Express
