A 12-year-old boy died on a "safe dangerous" 17-story amusement park waterslide, Verrückt, that is billed as the world's tallest.
Park spokesperson Pam Renteria said in a statement that the park was closed pending "a full investigation."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time," she added.
Kansan City Police Chief Terry Zeigler said the death was being treated as an accident.
Verrückt, a German word for "insane" or "crazy," drops riders at 65 mph from a height of almost 169 feet, taller than both Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty. The ride officially opened in July 2014 with the slogan "R U Insane?"
Riders sit in a three-person raft and are secured with straps across the waist and shoulders.
At the time of its opening, USA Today said the ride would "thrill and terrify" riders, who drop the equivalent of two football fields in 18 seconds.
After the Guinness Book of World Records certified Verrückt as the world's tallest water slide, Henry, who owns 60 patents for innovations such as land-based water surfing and uphill water coasters, tore down half of it to make corrections. This delayed the planned opening and costing an additional $1 million.
Testing was conducted after dark to avoid media helicopters that had been buzzing the park after hours.
The park will remain closed Monday.
Source: USA Today
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