These details are not from the autopsy report itself but from sworn witness testimony describing the report's conclusions.
Evidence in the subsequent legal proceedings showed that the ride was built without proper engineering credentials. Aftermath and Legal Actions
The August 2016 tragedy at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, remains one of the most harrowing amusement park accidents in modern history. Ten-year-old Caleb Schwab lost his life while riding Verrückt, which was documented at the time as the world’s tallest water slide.
The report officially listed the cause of death as "decapitation." caleb schwab autopsy report
On August 7, 2016, Caleb Schwab was visiting Schlitterbahn in Kansas City for "Elected Officials Day" with his family. He boarded the Verrückt—the world’s tallest waterslide at 168 feet—in a three-person raft with two women.
The release of the autopsy report sparked controversy, with some questioning the accuracy of the findings. Caleb's family and friends expressed concerns about the inconsistencies in the report, citing that the injuries seemed more severe than what would be expected from a simple drowning.
The Tragic Verruckt Water Slide Incident: Understanding the Caleb Schwab Case These details are not from the autopsy report
There were reports that the hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps meant to secure riders were thin or failed during the ride.
Caleb was seated in the front of a three-person raft. As the raft crested the slide’s second hump, it became airborne.
As a 10-year-old child, Caleb’s medical records, including autopsy findings, are protected under both federal HIPAA privacy rules (even postmortem, in many jurisdictions) and specific Kansas statutes governing child death investigations. Ten-year-old Caleb Schwab lost his life while riding
: The autopsy and crime scene analysis determined that as Caleb's raft crested the slide’s second hill, it went airborne. This caused Caleb to collide with a metal support arc safety netting positioned above the slide, leading to the fatal injury. Incident Details Verrückt Water Slide, Schlitterbahn, Kansas City, KS Raft Composition
Most reputable journalists and true crime outlets have chosen not to republish graphic details from courtroom testimony, recognizing that doing so serves no journalistic purpose beyond sensationalism.