What’s more, the investigation found that 13 other injuries occurred in the 182 days the slide operated before Schwab’s Verruckt death. But the need to sell water park tickets apparently trumped all. Video of the tragic accident showed that Schwab was using the raft correctly; in the end, it was simply unsafe.
The Associated Press also reported that the grand jury’s indictment says that Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeffrey Wayne Henry’s decision to “rush the project” to have it done for the Travel Channel show and his and his designer’s lack of expertise caused them to “skip fundamental steps in the design process.”
Parents, as we head out for summer and even spring break fun this season, we don’t need to leave in fear, but I think based on what the investigation uncovered in the Verruckt death we need to be a little extra careful about rides claiming to be the “MOST” or “world record breaking” or just EXTREME. In a big business like amusement and water parks where “thrill” is the name of the game, it would appear that shortcuts and risks can easily take place and become costly. The grand jury in this case started the ball rolling, and I pray that their actions will bring justice for the Schwab family, and better safety restrictions for customers seeking some summer fun.
