Swindled Rerun: The Verrückt (Schlitterbahn)
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Jan 12, 2026 The tragic quest to build the world's tallest water slide turns catastrophic with the deaths of two young boys. Emotional family reactions highlight the aftermath of the horrific accidents, leading to petitions for safety reforms in the amusement industry. Investigations reveal safety oversights and engineering challenges faced during the ride's development. With legal troubles looming, crucial discussions arise about accountability and negligence, intertwining innovation with devastating consequences in the thrill-seeking world of amusement parks.
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Visionary Slide Builder
- Jeff Henry built Schlitterbahn's signature rides and pushed for ever-larger designs, becoming a celebrated innovator in water parks.
- His ambition led to the proposal and construction of Verruckt, the world's tallest waterslide, meant to break records and attract attention.
Repeated Test Failures
- The Verruckt went through repeated tests where rafts went airborne and were rebuilt multiple times before opening.
- Jeff Henry and John Schooley were the first to ride it and described not knowing if they would survive the tests.
Safety Tinkering Before Opening
- Verruckt opened despite ongoing safety tweaks like netting and altered angles to curb airtime.
- The ride advertised near-vertical drops and high speeds while relying on unproven braking and restraint systems.