Report — Caleb Schwab Autopsy

As the raft lifted off the slide's surface, it impacted the overhead metal support structures. Caleb was struck by the metal rods holding the safety netting in place. The extreme velocity of the raft combined with the rigid impact resulted in immediate, fatal trauma. The two adult passengers riding in the back of the raft sustained severe facial fractures but survived. Legal Repercussions and Safety Reform

This report examines the findings and circumstances surrounding the death of Caleb Schwab , a 10-year-old who was killed on the water slide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Kansas , on August 7, 2016. Autopsy and Cause of Death The official autopsy, performed by the Wyandotte County Coroner's Office on August 8, 2016, concluded that Caleb Schwab died from a fatal neck injury Nature of Injuries

In memory of Caleb, the Schwab family established the at their church, which has supported various community projects and international missions. Caleb's father, Scott Schwab, who was a Kansas state representative at the time, later went on to be elected Kansas Secretary of State, continuing his career in public service. caleb schwab autopsy report

: The "hump" of the slide was designed in a way that caused rafts to catch air if they were too light or moving too fast.

In the months following Caleb's death, various theories emerged, including speculation about a potential boat accident or even foul play. However, there was no concrete evidence to support these claims, and the official cause of death remained as accidental drowning. As the raft lifted off the slide's surface,

Investigative reports later revealed that the ride was fundamentally flawed from its inception.

If you are researching the legal or structural impacts of this case, please let me know if you would like to explore the of the slide or the exact changes mandated by Kansas Senate Bill 86 . Share public link The two adult passengers riding in the back

Caleb was in a three-person raft with two other women who were not related to him.

As the raft crested the slide’s second hump, it became airborne. Traveling at speeds near 70 mph, the raft struck the metal support hoops holding a safety net in place. The impact was fatal. Autopsy Findings and Cause of Death

The Kansas City Police Department announced that the medical examiner's autopsy showed Caleb Schwab died of a . More specific details came from a report by the Wyandotte County coroner’s office, which confirmed the devastating nature of the accident: the cause of death was decapitation. The two women riding with Caleb survived but suffered significant facial injuries, including a broken jaw and a fractured facial bone.

The ride featured a multi-person raft that plummeted down a near-vertical drop before ascending a second, 50-foot hill. To prevent rafts from flying off the slide, the designers installed a metal netting system supported by heavy steel hoops spanning the length of the second hill.