KANSAS CITY, Mo. _ Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Monday that while he understands the desire to tear down Verruckt, the 17-story water slide where Caleb Schwab was killed, that can't happen until his staff completes its investigation into whether criminal charges are warranted.
Schmidt's office said in a statement that while his staff is moving as quickly as possible, there's no way to predict when the investigation will conclude.
"We are sensitive to the desire to allow demolition of the Verruckt water slide," Schmidt's office said in a statement. "However, our top priority must be to ensure the thoroughness and integrity of the criminal investigation.
"That necessarily includes the preservation of all evidence, including the Verruckt itself, until the investigation can be completed and we can determine whether or not the available evidence supports the filing of criminal charges."
Schmidt's office added they were aware of the public's interest into the investigation of why Caleb died in an Aug. 7 incident last year, given that Schlitterbahn is preparing the open the water park in Kansas City, Kan., for its 2017 season. Opening day is Friday, according to Schlitterbahn's website.
Caleb, the son of Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab of Olathe, died when riding the record-breaking slide last year. Two women riding with him suffered severe injuries.
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