In the District Court of Wyandotte County Kansas

When I was a child in Atlanta a friend of mine vacationed in Texas. He would tell me stories of a water park that his family visited. He spoke of a sprawling mega-park featuring unique experiences more fun than anything on offer back in Georgia. Now we were young and he was probably just bragging about his family vacation but, still, I knew of the place he spoke and it already had legendary status among us people who know of, are involved in, and generally have an interest in the Amusement Industry: Schitterbahn. 

A strange word that means 'Wet Road' in German and is the name of the fabled New Braunfels, Texas water park where the water coaster was pioneered and the local German heritage is celebrated. Now I, myself, am no more than a lowly consumer of the Amusement Parks of our World. Yet my interest in the industry is and was strong enough that I knew of their pioneering work in water-based attractions and of their strong track record of in-house engineering. The water coaster was a resounding success for the park, brand, and designers of the concept. It was eventually sold-off and  installed around the world in countless popular attractions. I sought them out in my time.

As I've grown and grown less pliable my interest in theme parks, water parks and their attractions has somewhat mellowed but, I must admit, it is still my preferred vacation destination. I may not be able to recall obscure roller coasters from tiny parks in distant States but I still get on the 'ole Roller Coaster Database before I take a vacation. I may not obsess over coming attractions at distant European Theme Parks but I still see pull up Screamscape and see what's new when I happen to visit Orlando or Vegas or NYC. And, for as long as I've had disposable income, Schiltterbahn has been on a must-not-miss list should I find myself in the vicinity of the Greater Texas Region.

So when I learned of the tragedy that occurred at Schlitterbahn's Kansas City property I was rightly saddened and horrified of the details. A gruesome, untimely, and horrific end for the child. A scarring, terrifying, life-changing event for the survivors. Given the details reported in the press I suspected negligence and civil penalties to come forth (according to the star-telegram.com they did amount to about $20 million). I did not expect criminal indictments late last week nor the arrest today of Jeffery Henry (see prior hyperlink). 

The details in the indictment (the full text can be found here via KC Star), if upheld, are damning in the extreme. In the cited news clipping Schlitterbahn is offering to defend herself and her employees vigorously. As a person who might understand a little more about Amusement Industry than the average person I feel compelled to use this blog to discuss this case. As someone who has thought deeply about the repercussions of Amusement Park accidents I have a particular interest in following and reflecting on the themes of this case. I have some experience in the law and the patience to read legal documents. I have read the indictment in full. The assertions therein shock the conscience. I look forward to Schlitterbahn's response.