KANSAS CITY, Kan. — People who knew Caleb Schwab are sharing memories of the boy as crews take a closer look at Verruckt. Crews started to remove more safety netting that surrounds the water slide on Tuesday.
The action comes as the investigation into the deadly accident enters its third day.
FOX 4’s Robert Townsend saw one man hoisted high in a cherry-picker slowly removing the netting on Tuesday afternoon.
Meantime, at Caleb’s school, everyone is holding on to good memories of him to get through the heartache.
Rick Lukianuk, Head of School at Christian Heritage Academy, says 10-year-old Caleb possessed and shared two infectious characteristics with many of his classmates, friends and teachers at the school in Overland Park.
“Joy and a kind heart,” Lukianuk described.
In just two weeks, Caleb would`ve been a fifth grader at the private school.
“Just a precocious young man, much like his dad who`s in public service. I figured he was gonna run for something someday,” he said.
But two days ago, Caleb`s dreams were cut short after the boy suddenly died while riding Verruckt, the 168-foott tall waterslide that`s been called the tallest in the world.
As police and Schlitterbahn continue to try to figure out how the boy suffered a deadly neck injury at the end of the ride, everyone at Heritage Academy is missing the little guy who had a bright smile, big heart and strong spirit.
“A young man who would help somebody else. He stood out, and again a joyful, exuberant young man,” Lukianuk said. “We’re gonna figure out how to best honor him.
When school starts, Heritage Christian Academy will offer counseling to help students cope with the tragic loss of Caleb.
Schlitterbahn officials say on Wednesday the water park will re-open to the public, except for Verruckt. That water slide will remain closed for the rest of the season.
