Son of state congressman, 10, dies in accident on the world's tallest water slide that towers over Kansas City water park at 168ft 

The 10-year-old son of a Kansas lawmaker died in an accident while on the world's tallest slide at a water park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Caleb Thomas Schwab, the son of Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives Scott Schwab, and his wife Michele, died Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Water Park while on the park's 168-foot water slide. 

Winter Prosapio, spokeswoman for Schlitterbahn, said Caleb died on the 17-story Verruckt water slide, according to the Kansas City Star.

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Caleb Thomas Schwab (pictured), the son of Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives Scott Schwab, died Sunday at the Schlitterbahn Water Park while on the park's 168-foot water slide

The family's pastor issued a statement Sunday night on behalf of the Schwab family thanking the community for their outpouring of support. Kansas House of Representatives Scott Schwab (pictured) in January 2016 

Winter Prosapio, spokeswoman for Schlitterbahn, said Caleb died on the 17-story Verruckt water slide (pictured). However, Prosapio could not say whether or not the boy fell from the ride

However, Prosapio could not say whether or not the boy fell from the ride.

She said the park's rides are inspected every day and are checked by independent inspection agencies at the beginning of the season.

It was elected officials day at the water park Sunday and lawmakers and their families received free admission, lunch and a day of fun.

The family's pastor issued a statement Sunday night on behalf of the family. 

'Michele and I want to thank the Olathe and Kansas City, KS communities and all our friends and family for their outpouring of support and compassion as it relates to the sudden loss of our son, Caleb Thomas Schwab.

'Since the day he was born, he brought abundant joy to our family and all those who he came in contact with. 

'As we try and mend our home with him no longer with us, we are comforted knowing he believed in his Savior, Jesus, and they are forever together now. We will see him another day. 

'Your continued prayers are welcome and appreciated. We appreciate your understanding of our family's need for privacy during this difficult time of grieving.' 

The height requirement to ride Verruckt is at least 54 inches tall and riders must be at least 14 years old, according to the park's website. Riders have to climb the ride's 264 steps to the top before taking the 168-foot plunge at 65 mph

Prosapio said the park's rides are inspected every day and are checked by independent inspection agencies at the beginning of the season

Police spokesman Officer Cameron Morgan said the boy's cause of death has not been confirmed. But officers are conducting a death investigation at the park

Unified Government Mayor Mark Holland issued a statement on Facebook to the family expressing his condolences

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins also shared her 'thoughts and prayers' on Twitter for the Schwab family 

Police spokesman Officer Cameron Morgan said the boy's cause of death has not been confirmed. 

Unified Government Mayor Mark Holland issued a statement on Facebook to the family expressing his condolences. 

'My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the boy who died today in a tragic accident at Schlitterbahn.' 

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins tweeted: 'My thoughts and prayers are with Rep Scott Schwab and his family at this devastating time.' 

Friends and colleagues gathered at the Schwabs' home to comfort them hours after the tragedy. 

Scott Schwab was first elected to the Kansas house in 2003, representing District 49, covering Olathe.

Schwab and his wife have four sons.  

'They are an amazing, resilient family, full of faith,' Clint Sprague, lead pastor of Life Mission Church, told the Kansas City Star.

Sprague, who has known Caleb's parents since they were in college, said Caleb loved sports and played soccer. 

The 10-year-old was also active in his church, Sprague added. 

Authorities originally said Caleb was 12 years old but Sprague confirmed that he was actually 10. 

While running for reelection in 2014, Schwab said that his 'primary reason for my desire to serve in the Kansas House is to help create an economic environment for kids like mine to have a future here in Kansas'.

Kansas City Police Chief Terry Zeigler confirmed to NBC that officers are conducting a death investigation at the park.

The park was closed pending the investigation as multiple agencies arrived at the scene earlier Sunday.

The Verryckt water slide (pictured) opened in July 2014 after its opening date was pushed back three times for additional safety testing

The park was closed pending the investigation and water park officials said that Schlitterbahn (pictured) will be closed Monday. The Verruckt water slide will also be closed pending a full investigation

Water park officials told KCTV 5 that Schlitterbahn will be closed Monday.

The park's Verruckt water slide  is closed pending a full investigation. 

Riders have to climb the ride's 264 steps to the top before taking the 168-foot plunge at 65 mph.

The Verryckt water slide opened in July 2014 after its opening date was pushed back three times for additional safety testing, according to KCTV. 

Three riders are allowed on at a single time and the total weight limit is 550 pounds.  

The height requirement to ride Verruckt is at least 54 inches tall and riders must be at least 14 years old, according to the park's website.