While the former tallest water slide in the world, Kilimanjaro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, relies on a hill for the bulk of its height, Verrückt's height comes from concrete and steel.
While the former tallest water slide in the world, Kilimanjaro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, relies on a hill for the bulk of its height, Verrückt's height comes from concrete and steel.
While the former tallest water slide in the world, Kilimanjaro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, relies on a hill for the bulk of its height, Verrückt's height comes from concrete and steel.

After months of negotiations and a missed original deadline, officials say Schlitterbahn's Verruckt waterslide may come down as early as Nov. 1.

In 2016, a 10-year-old boy was killed on the world's tallest waterslide. Two designers -- one of whom is a co-owner of the Schlitterbahn chain -- and the waterpark's operations director have been arrested for the death, accused of purposely sidestepping safety practices, operating the waterslide after it became a known problem, and withholding or altering evidence.

For the 2-1/2 years since the tragedy, Schlitterbahn Kansas City has continued to operate with the slide still standing to allow for investigation. Officials had said the slide would come down right after Labor Day, however the park and state officials were caught arguing about how it would be taken down. According to the Kansas City Star, the state wants to preserve certain components of the waterslide.

Some in the media have expressed impatience at the delays demolishing the waterslide. Additionally, Kansas City Star has reported that Wyandotte County, location of the waterpark, will have to pay for the investigation into the death. Officials estimate it will cost $1 million.

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